Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called for a greater level of cooperation and collaboration among adherents of major religions in the state in order to promote religious harmony, noting that Ekiti people are one irrespective of religion.
The Governor made the call on Sunday evening at the iftar he hosted for Muslim faithful and leaders across the state at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji, at the event attended by Muslim leaders, scholars, and the government functionaries, thanked the Muslim community for their continuous prayers, support and love for his administration and for sustaining religious harmony in the state, stressing that the peaceful atmosphere had brought about significant development in the state.
Emphasizing the importance of love and unity among adherents of different religions, the Governor stressed the role of Muslims in promoting peace, unity, and understanding in the society, noting that their actions and attitude should consistently reflect the values of compassion and tolerance taught by Islam.
He urged them to utilize the opportunity provided by the ongoing ramadan season to continue to pray for the development of the state and the country at large.
“Let me thank the Muslim faithful for your support for our government because the way you supported me before, during, and after the elections amazed me and my prayer is that I will not disappoint you.
“I will just urge our people that the love that exist between the two religions and the other faith in the state should be nurtured because when there is love the state will progress and I know that in Ekiti State, I keep telling my friends that we are one”. The Governor asserted.
In their goodwill messages at the event, a former Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Hakeem Jamiu, and the President, Ekiti State Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Hameed Bakare, lauded the Governor for holding the iftah with them and for according Muslims in the state a proper recognition. They added that the Muslim community had never had so well in the state.
Also in his lecture, the lead Missioner, Nasrul-Lahi-ii Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Ekiti State chapter, Alhaji Abdulfattah Abdulazeez expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his giant strides in the state and for being a god fearing leader.
He assured the Governor that Muslims in the state would continue to support and pray for his administration, stressing that it is the only way they can pay back the Governor for all his good deeds.
Also at the event were Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Regional Development and inter-governmental Affairs, Dr. Kareem Makanjuola Akande, President league of Imam and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta State, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, Atta of Ayede Ekiti, HRM, Oba Adebayo Abdumumini, Muslims leader, among others.