Ramadan Lecture: Makinde reiterates commitment to religious harmony
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration will continue to do everything needed to foster harmony among the various religions in the state.
Makinde said this on Thursday, during the 9th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Lecture, held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ramadan lecture organised by the governor has been an annual event since 2015.
The governor maintained that the religious tolerance and peace being witnessed in the state would continue in his second tenure.
He appreciated the various religious faiths and organisations in the state for maintaining harmony despite the relentless efforts of religious extremists to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in state.
The governor commended the religious leaders for their support toward his re-election on March 18.
Makinde revealed that the road to his re-election’ success was rough, but he remained grateful to God for being able to surmount the challenges.
He pledged to intensify efforts towards taking the state to greater heights during his second tenure,
“We will double our efforts to achieve more things for our people.
“Some people say that governors do relax during second terms but I want to assure you that such will not happen here.
“It is not as if we want to start thinking about what we will do.
“No, we already know what to do and will be implementing them one after the other,” the governor said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Lawal, thanked the Muslim faithful for standing by the administration despite all odds, especially prior to the election.
NAN also reports that two prominent Islamic Scholars, Sheik Daud Alawiye and Sheik Hashim Atere, in their separate sermons, urged all Islamic faithful to move closer to Allah and abstain from evil.
The duo described Makinde as a trustworthy and pious leader with the love of his people at heart.
Top government functionaries, traditional rulers and Islamic leaders across the State were among dignitaries that attended the Ramadan lecture.
