From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has admonished citizens of the state to sustain the prevailing peaceful co-existence among various communities in the state irrespective of religious, political and ethic divide.
Bello gave the advice while commissioning the Jama’atu Nasril Islam Secretariat Mosque/Hall built by the Kogi state Chapter of the religious body in Lokoja on Sunday.
The Governor who observed that no society can thrive in the atmosphere of rancour and acrimony said that the only way out to achieve the desired peace in the state was for the people to continue to embark on acts capable of promoting religious tolerance, unity and harmonious relationship.
The Governor therefore, charged the people of the state to always shun tribalism, nepotism and violence attitudes which he said were capable of tearing the state apart.
Bello who appriciated the encomiums showered on him for impacting positively on the lives of the people of the state, commended the Kogi Chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam for its prudence in the execution of the project which he said led to quick completion of the Mosque even under the present high cost of building materials in Nigeria.
He attributed the prevailing peace and harmonious coexistence in the state to the entire citizens of the state and vowed to continue to do his best in the protection of their lives and property.
The Secretary General Jama’atu Nasril Islam, National Headquarters, Kaduna, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar The 3rd at the occasion, called for God’s intervention over the current spate of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.
The Sultan affirmed that Kogi surpasses other states in the federation on religious tolerance and peaceful Co-existence sayings that they should learn from Kogi state.
His Eminence also prayed Allah to continue to support Governor Yahaya Bello on his aggressive development initiative since he came on board.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Kogi State Chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Ambassador Usman Bello disclosed that the Mosque was put in place in strong support of Governor Bello and other spirited individuals.
He prayed God to reward those who contributed towards the building of the Mosque saying that the house of Allah will surely be beneficial to Moslem faithful within the area.
Ambassador Bello expressed appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto for coming personally on January 27, 2019 to lay the foundation of the newly commissioned Mosque.