Oyetola harps on religious tolerance, peace

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

As Muslims all over the world celebrate the 2021 Eid-el-Kabir festival, Nigerians have been urged to maintain religious tolerance and peace in the country.

The citizens were urged to extend the hands of fellowship to the less privileged during and beyond the festive period.

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said this on Tuesday at the central Eid at Oke-Baale, Osogbo.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful, the governor harped on the need to live in peace despite the religious differences.

He said, “I congratulate all the Muslims in Osun State, in Nigeria and the whole world at large. We thank God that we are able to celebrate this year’s celebration. Last year, we couldn’t celebrate it. But we thank God for giving us the grace to be here today.

“I want to enjoin our people to live in peace. They should extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged. They deserve to celebrate as well.

“We should not emphasise religious differences. We must have religious tolerance. We must love our neighbours.”

Oyetola enjoined Osun citizens and residents of the state to continue to maintain peace and avoid anything that will threaten the peace of the state.

“Let’s live in peace. Osun is noted for peace. I want us to continue to be celebrated as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he added.

Also speaking, the senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Ajibola Basiru, urged Nigerians to live with piety and in a manner that will please God.

In his words, “We pray that God will continue to aid the country as we tackle the challenges. We enjoin Nigerians, at this time, on the need to be pious. God does not require any meat or blood from us but for us to live with piety and conduct our affairs in a way that is pleasing to Almighty God.”

The Senator who also doubles as the Senate spokesperson, added, “the message is to celebrate the Yidi with modesty. Be conscious of COVID-19 and we must continue to dedicate ourselves to the progress and development of our country.”

In his sermon, Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheik Musa Animasahun, who spoke on the theme of peace, emphasised the need for Nigerians to promote peace and unity.

He also enjoined the Muslim faithful to appreciate God who made it possible to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir despite the setbacks of last year which were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the central mosque was filled with excited Muslim faithful from Osun State and beyond who had gathered to pray to God and mark the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The worshippers also complied with the safety protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic through the use of facemasks among others.