Peace, union, solidarity and harmony. These are the words evoked during the ceremony of investiture and entry into office of Imam Idrissou LEMANOU BOUKARI, the new president of the Islamic Union of Benin (UIB). A first in the history of our country and of the Islamic Union of Benin, the Hausa community now governs the UIB. Since August 13th in Bohicon, a new era has been blowing on this Muslim association. Imam Idrissou LEMANOU BOUKARI was officially invested under the sign of concord and union. Indeed, Bohicon, the crossroads city vibrated to the sound and rhythm of the union of the daughters and sons of the Muslim community of Benin, alongside the dignitaries of the kingdom of Abomey, the traditional Hausa chieftaincy of Bohicon and the leaders religious of other religious denominations. It was a nice party. “You don’t need to justify that the Muslim religion is peaceful and advocates non-violence. How can a religion whose daily greeting is assalam aleykum advocate violence? asked CHABI-ZIME TALATA, Vice-President of the Republic, representing the Head of State Patrice TALON in his address to this ceremony. The courtyard of the central mosque of Zongo which hosted the said ceremony was packed.
One could also note the presence of Islamic umbrella structures from the sister countries of Togo, Niger, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Placed under the co-sponsorship of Minister of State Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE and Vice-President CHABI ZIME TALATA, the investiture of the new president of the UIB was an opportunity to reflect on the theme: “Contribution of Islamic organizations to the fight against terrorism in West Africa”. A presentation worthy of interest which was entrusted to the Vice-President of the Islamic Union of Togo. It is also necessary to underline the presence of a distinguished guest, former President of the Superior Council of Imams of Mali, his Eminence Imam DICKO.
Finally, on the occasion of this investiture, which was attended by around 300 guests and delegates from various walks of life, His Eminence Idrissou LEMANOU was made Grand Crescent of the Order of the Muslim Community. Distinction which was given to him in the form of a table of honorary distinction.