Ekiti Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye has assured all religions practising in the state of a fair deal and unbiased prioritization of their welfare to entrench the culture of religious tolerance in the system.
Afuye who acknowledged the crucial role of religion in bringing men closer to God and teaching morals, thereby reducing crimes in the society, restated the resolve of Oyebanji’s government to work harmoniously with religious stakeholders in the state to enteench a peaceful society.
According to the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje , Afuye stated these ,while playing host the members of the newly inaugurated Christians Pilgrimage Welfare Board, led by its chairman, the current Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) ,Ekiti State chapter Chairman, Revd. Emmanuel Aribasoye
in her office, in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday.
In her message to the Board members, Mrs Afuye, said building a society bereft of religious fanaticism and intolerance remains the best way to launch Nigeria to joining the league of developed states of the world.
Mrs Afuye branded religious extremism that manifested in the facets of hatred, insurgency and senseless bombings and killings as a destroyer of humanity, which she said must be condemned by all lovers of humanity.
She applauded the governor for constituting a full- fledged christian studded board for the pilgrimage organ, which she noted, was the first of its kind in the history of the state.
“We must first appreciate our amiable governor for putting you ,the state CAN chairman and other top christian leaders in charge of the board . This is an historic feat. No nation can toy with the religions of its citizens owing to its connections with moral upbringing and spiritual rebirth.
“The constitution of the board shows the seriousness of government in putting the christians directly in charge of their own affairs and he has always been fair to all religion bodies in the state.'”,she enthused .
In his submission, the new chairman of the state Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board who doubles as the CAN chairman for the state, Revd. Emmanuel Aribasoye, had extolled the virtues of the governor as a man who has the fear of God .
He explained that christians in the state had never had it so good assuring xxx they would keep on supporting the government to ensure God’s purpose for Ekiti people come into fruition.
Also lending his voice, the Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi opined that the experience of the Deputy Governor in pilgrimage matters would give the new board a sound footing.
He expressed hope that christian pilgrimage affairs would reach a new height under the current leadership.