By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
In the spirit of Ramadan, the Malaysian High Commission to Nigeria has begun donating food to friends, local colleagues and the less privileged in Nigeria to show the spirit of solidarity, love as well as strengthen ties between the two countries during Ramadan.
The Malaysian Charge d’Affairs to Nigeria, Mr. Sharmini Devi Gopa, disclosed this in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Charge d’Affairs said the donatuon was aimed at showcasing cultural exchange, which was capable of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“The sharing is in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan where Muslims practices good will of sharing food and love, this activity is the same with what we do in Malaysia, Nigerians also do the same. there are alots of donations during this month, so we will like to take the opportunity to share our culture through the sharing of food, at this time. We actually started our food donation last week Friday , where we have distributed about one hundred packs of food to the needy people in two major mosques in Abuja. We have received positive feedback, today we continue with the sharing with our local colleagues,” he explained.
While explaining the aim and significance of the food sharing, Ms. Gopa noted that the idea was a form of donation, an opportunity and efforts to introduce Malaysian food to Nigerians.
“We are preparing “Nasilema”, a flopyy rice that is prepared with coconut milk and roasted peanut and cucumber. This is what we use in breaking the fast in Malaysia. We are also planning for the 3rd batch , which comes up on the 2nd of April. This idea coincides with two major celebrations, which are the holy month of Ramadan and Easter week. We hope that our good intentions to reach the needy will be a success. Outside this food sharing, we look forward to introducing different dishes in a way of sharing our culture with Nigerians at the fourth coming Basars,” said Mr. Gopa.
He charged Nigerians to always cultivate the spirit of love and good practice of sharing with others because one always gets a double portion of what he or she shared.
