Encomium
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have underscored the critical importance of fostering harmony among Nigerians irrespective of religious or political persuasions.
Speaking on Friday at the Commissioning of the Odo-Noforija Ultra-Modern Central Mosque, at Odo-Noforija, Epe, the duo emphasized that peaceful coexistence remains essential for national unity, stability, and sustainable development.
Others who shared a similar view at the well-attended event include the former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Etsu of Nupe, HRH, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar.
According to the First Lady, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs and Strategy, Office of the First Lady, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, “Islamic teachings emphasised tolerance, compassion, and the spiritual duty of serving all humanity, regardless of religious differences, urging Nigerians to regard the nation’s diversity as a source of strength, rather than a factor for division among its people.
In the same vein, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat urged Nigerians to continually pursue peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious differences, noting that the nation can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.
In addition, he called on Nigerians to consistently pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for divine guidance, wisdom, and long life, stressing that he means well for the country, noting that “as we pray for the country, the nation will continue to grow in peace, unity, and prosperity”.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola emphasised the importance of religious harmony in driving national development, describing the commissioning of the mosque as a powerful symbol of unity between faiths.
He said, “This occasion highlights the need for harmony in faith. We are commissioning a mosque built through the collaboration of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP, the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija, and Alhaji Abdul Jelil Animashaun, the Chairman/CEO of Al-Hujaaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Limited, leaders from different religious backgrounds. It shows that we can live together as one nation despite our differences. We have demonstrated this before during the MKO Abiola era, where the late politician single-handedly built a church, and today, we are once again repeating that history.”
In his keynote address, the Etsu Nupe of Bida Emirate, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, described the occasion as a powerful symbol of unity among religious communities in Nigeria.
He opined that such harmony could be replicated across the country.
“I am impressed by what I have witnessed at this event. It demonstrates that we can live together in peace despite our differences in religious beliefs. I only wish that what is happening here today could be reflected in every part of our nation,” he said
Earlier in his address, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Eredo, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, Kalejaiye II, described the mosque and the occasion as a “divine fulfillment,” marking a transition from a cherished past to a modern future.
He added that the edifice stands as a symbol of unity, faith, and progress, one that will foster harmony, promote prosperity, and serve as a beacon of hope for the kingdom, Epe Division, and Nigeria at large.
He commended collective efforts and support from prominent individuals that led to the transformation of the old Ratibi Mosque into the newly commissioned edifice.
In his Lecture titled “Think of Your Tomorrow,” Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef urged Muslims to remain mindful of their actions and steadfast in good deeds, noting that whatever one does today will reflect on his/her tomorrow.
He therefore called on other notable Nigerians to emulate Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, who, despite not being a Muslim, joined hands in building an ultra-modern Central Mosque that will further boost the religious commitment of the people of the community.
He added that this would further strengthen the inter-religious beliefs within the community.
The cleric, therefore, charged that whosoever wants Allah to remember him/her, should also assist in the development of the work of Allah.
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