Oyo is peaceful, secure for residents, outsiders—Makinde

…says we’ll continue to promote religious tolerance

…as Saudi Arabia pledges support for state

...gov bags special recognition of Saudi Varsity 

Oyo State Governor,’ Seyi Makinde, on Monday, reiterated his administration's  determination to ensure that the state remains peaceful and secure for residents and outsiders, especially individuals and organisations desirous of investing in the state.

The governor added that his government has been promoting religious tolerance and harmony in the state without bias or sentiment for any religion.

Governor Makinde stated these while receiving a delegation of Saudi Arabia led by the Head of Arabic Language Department, Umm Al-Qurra University, Makkah, Professor Hassan Hameed Bukhari, at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that the state is peaceful and welcoming for everyone irrespective of religious affiliations.

The governor thanked the Saudi government for bringing the workshop on peaceful co-existence targeted at judges and university lecturers to Ibadan, noting that the workshop would further promote harmonious relationships in the state.

The governor said: "Some of the things the S.A Islamic Affairs mentioned are things that we did but he did not mention the most important one that is so much after my heart. And I will tell you why.

"You know, when you do things that are physical like sending people on Hajj, building a mosque, those are physical things. The one that is very spiritual is the Ramadan lecture we do organise for our people, which basically is giving the people spiritual food. You can give people physical food but when you feed them spiritually, I think that is the most important thing.

"For us as an administration, we are almost blind to religion. That is why in Oyo State today, people are unable to divide us along religious lines. 

"They may say a whole lot of things but at the end of the day, the truth always prevails.

"Finally, I want to thank you for the workshop. It is a confirmation not just to the people of Nigeria but the international community that you can come from different places and be comfortable within us here.

"We want the message to go out that Oyo State is peaceful and welcoming even to outsiders."

Earlier, the Head of Arabic Language Department, Umm Al-Qurra University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia,  Professor Bukhari, said that the team was in Ibadan for a workshop at the University of Ibadan, for judges and university lecturers “towards promoting religious coexistence among the people.”

Bukhari, who spoke through an interpreter, lauded the Oyo State government for forestering  a peaceful atmosphere in the state, adding that  and it has also been fair to the Muslim Ummah.

He expressed the readiness of the Saudi authorities to assist the state in the areas of development.

He thereafter decorated the governor with a special recognition award of the Umm Al-Qurra University Makkah, for his good deeds towards Islam. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more