As part of ongoing deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among various relaigions, communal harmony and cohesion among diverse interest groups, the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Reverend Femi Ibikunle has continued to spearheaded a statewide campaign for unity, peace, and cohesion at the grassroots.
This was as the governor’s aide took his campaign to the ancient Oyo town leading a delegation of local government executive chairmen, religious and community leaders, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the area to a direct engagement at a stakeholder’s meeting.
Prince Akeem Salam Olukitibi, the Executive Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Hon Wahab Waliu Adetunji Wabkem (Atiba), Hon. Oluokun Peter Olusola (Oyo East) and Hon. Emmanuel Olufemi Aikomo (Afijio) alongside the Special Assistant to the governor on federal constituency matters, traditional rulers and leaders from the three major religions (Muslim, Christianity, African Tradition), all in Oyo federal constituency were in attendance and actively participated in the one day interfaith stakeholders meeting.
The event held yesterday June 19 at pensioners Hall in Oyo, opposite Tennis Club, Oyo East INEC Office Road, G. R.A. Oyo.
The event, which was described as unprecedented and first of its kind by stakeholders, brought together religious leaders, community elders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from various backgrounds communities under one roof to deepen robust engagement towards amplifying the advocacy for unity and religious harmony in the state.
According to Rev. Ibikunle in his address, the primary focus of the gathering was to engage, dialogue, and explore ways to deepen interfaith harmony among residents especially at the grassroots while also emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity as a cornerstone of Governor Makinde’s administration.
Rev Ibikunle stressed the critical role that mutual respect and understanding play in promoting a peaceful coexistence among different faith and communities in Oyo State.
During his impassioned address, Rev Ibikunle harped on the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among religious groups to tackle common challenges and build a more inclusive society as being championed by the governor.
“Oyo State is a part of the federating units in Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, where diversity should be celebrated and cherished instead being used as a tool for division.
The pastor cum politician, who thanked the stakeholders and people of Oyo federal constituency for their unwavering support for the Makinde led administration, noted that the event served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on how to enhance interfaith relations and address issues affecting religious minorities within the state in line with the vision of the governor towards sustainable public peace.
Representatives from Christian, Muslim, and traditionalist at the event reaffirmed their avowed commitments to working together towards shared goals of religious tolerance and advancement of public peace.
The various religious and community leaders in their separate submissions pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote interfaith harmony at the grassroots level while acknowledging efforts of Governor Makinde’s administration in prioritizing religious tolerance and ensuring equal opportunities for all residents irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Prince Akeem Salam Olukitibi, the Executive Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, in his remarks expressed appreciation to Reverend Ibikunle for convening such laudable stakeholders meeting which he described as fruitful and productive in the advancement of security and public peace in the state.
“I, on behalf of the good people of Oyo West Local Government, Ojongbodu spoke on the efforts made so far on security matters at the local level by our administration to support the frantic efforts put in place by The Governor of Oyo state, Engr.Seyi Abiodun Makinde
“With deep sense of responsibility,I also appealed to the Convener of the stakeholders meeting to tap from the brilliant suggestions and workable ideas raised by our respected stakeholders to formulate workable device and problem-solving mechanisms towards curbing the security threat in our communities.
“I also, appreciated those stakeholders for their maximum cooperations in the course of the deliberations as they were all specifically prayed for Engr. Seyi Abiodun Makinde, the Governor of Oyo state, to succeed in his efforts to transform Oyo state to a prosperous state.”
In his closing remarks, Reverend Ibikunle expressed optimism about the future and emphasized that sustained efforts towards promoting unity will yield lasting benefits for Oyo State in terms of development and progress.
