Makinde reaffirms commitment to religious harmony in Oyo

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the state.

Makinde stated this in his keynote address at the eighth annual Ramadan lecture, held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The governor, who pledged to continually uphold a religiously-unbiased system of administration in the state, noted that residents had grown and evolved through a family system that blends Muslims with Christians, with harmonious coexistence.

He dismissed the insinuation that his administration had been unfair to the Muslim community in Ogbomoso zone, saying that it was not true.

Makinde promised to provide a conducive atmosphere that would ensure peaceful coexistence between the masses and politicians across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that two Islamic clerics, Alhaji Sheu Uthman and Prof. Sayeed Malik, delivered lectures at the occasion.

The clerics urged the governor and other political office holders to strive to fulfill the promises made to the people of the state.

According to Uthman, God will not be pleased with anyone who made promises but fails to fulfill them.

Malik, who is the Chairman of Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), commended Makinde for embarking on projects that would bring development to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Among the dignitaries present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola and Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere.

Former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, were also in attendance.