The executive chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government, Hon Ibrahim Akintayo has called on the religious leaders across the country to preach and show love among their congregations for peace to reign in Nigeria.
The chairman gave the word of admonishion during the stakeholders meeting on religious tolerance organised by Ibadan North East Local Government in conjunction with Council Religions Leaders Forum .
Akintayo gave pat on the back to the executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde for the provision of enabling environment for religious tolerance in the state. He equally commends the state Governor for his effort towards ensuring security of lives and properties of the citizenry.
Dr. Daud Ayodele Amao Alaga, the guest speaker in his introductory talk on religious tolerance said the main cause of religious problem is lack of knowledge about the scriptures, he emphasized that both religion preaches peace, love and holiness, and whoever studies the scriptures will tolerate other religions.
He as well urged individual to be at peace with fellow mate wherever they find themselves and shun any act capable of igniting religious war.
He stated that Oyo State, especially Ibadan is the most peaceful city in Nigeria when it comes to religious tolerance and frawn at what happened in sokoto in which a student life was gruesomely took for blasphemy.
Dr Daud quoted both Biblical and Qur'anic verses admonishing on peaceful coexistence within one's neighborhood.
He said it is in this part of the world that there is different between what we said and what we have in mind and vice versa.
The area commander of Agodi, A C P Abioye Shittu, represented by the commissioner of police in his speech, said people must choose who to follow among the religious leaders, he clarified further that there is freedom of religion in Nigerian constitution and there should be no form of harassment to any individual for practicing his/her faith. He appealed to religions leaders to preach peace and love in their various worship centres.
Rev A A Adebiyi, leader of religious forum in Oyo State also urged the leaders to be mindful of what they preach to their followers while admonishing them to preach truth, peace and tolerance.
Alhaji Sheik Nurudeen Basunu, Ajanasi agba Ile Ibadan, Chief Falere Odegbemi Odegbola, Araba ise-se of Ibadan and Rev. Ibikunle Oluwafemi special assistant, interfaith to the Governor, advised the leaders to tolerate each other and preach what is true and respect other religions, likewise desist from abusing one anothers.
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