Oyetola, Adebule, Sultan, Akiolu seek unity, peaceful co-existence

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has enjoined Nigerians to eschew ‎things that can hamper the peaceful co-existence in the country.He said it is time for Nigerians regardless of socio-economic, religious, political and ethnic differences to rise against insurgency and other acts capable of truncating peaceful atmosphere in the country. Oyetola spoke as chairman at the 25th yearly pre-Ramadan lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) at the weekend.

In the same vein, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Sultan of Sokoto and President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, called for promotion of diversity in the country.

Oyetola, who condemned insurgency in some parts of the country and called on Nigerians to see the country’s diversity as a blessing for national unity, peace and integration, urged citizens to place as priority the bond that binds everyone together as a united entity rather than inciting one another to cause mayhem.He, therefore, warned the perpetrators of violence to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest and future of the country.

He also called on government at all levels to evolve policies that would strengthen unity in diversity. Adebule said Islam is a religion of peace, urging its adherents to ensure peaceful co-existence with believers of other faiths.

The deputy governor said: “To us all, as Muslims and all religious beliefs, we must continue to use religion as a tool to promote peaceful co-existence, tolerance and good neighbourliness.

“Our administration remains committed to ensuring the right environment for all religions to thrive without discrimination. I am proud to say that Lagos State has the enviable record of being a state where different religions co-exist peacefully without friction and we are obliged to continue to promote this through policies and programmes that enhance better life for all.”

The Sultan, who described diversity as nature’s signature, said: “Islam recognises the reality of diversity. It accepts it and rises above it to show that what matters is not race, which is geographical or colour, which is skin-deep but the quality of human character. That the human being is defined not by where he comes from or what language he speaks or even what social class he comes from, but rather what he believes in and what values drive his character and behaviour. Oba Akiolu described dishonesty as one of the major challenges facing the country.Nigeria, he said, would develop if the larger population were honest in carrying out their duties.