By Michael Babatunde
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has appealed to Muslim faithful to guard against religious intolerance and work hard to promote the unity and peaceful coexistence that will strengthen the cords among Nigerians .
The Deputy Governor, saluted the Islamic adherents for their contributions to the nation’s development and spiritual growth , saying their spartan lifestyles, unshaken believe in philosophy of love and generosity (Zakat), had helped in fighting poverty among the citizens.
The Deputy Governor, said this while distributing food items to Yoruba Muslims and Hausa residents of Shasha Market in Ikere- Ekiti, in the spirit of Ramadan season.
A statement by her Special Assistant ( Media) , Victor Ogunje, said Mrs Afuye exhibited similar gesture on Monday at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque in Ado Ekiti, where hundreds of islamists benefited from the palliative programme.
Addressing the Muslim faithful, the Deputy Governor stated that the country is currently thirsty for enduring peace to surmount its multifaceted crises, warning that no nation can progress under the tensed atmosphere of sectarian war.
Mrs Afuye stressed that Muslims embracing the lessons of tolerance, sacrifice, generosity and piety, contained in the Islamic injunction guiding Ramadan, would help in taming the pervasive corruption and pilfering of the country’s commonwealth by privileged individuals.
The Deputy Governor said; “Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity, regardless of faiths. Religious extremism has no place and recognition in the holy book of Qur’an.
“Ramadan, a spiritual concept of Prophet Mohammed(SWT), is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.
“Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.”
Mrs Afuye added; “As you are about rounding off these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention , but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.
“We particularly aware of the artificial increase in the prices of goods, including food items during every month of Ramadan.
“While we are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, let us share what we have with the less fortunate, because by sharing our blessings with others, Allah will multiply our rewards for good deeds”.
Applauding Mrs Afuye’s benevolence, the Imam of Nawarudeen Mosque and Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Islamic Faith, Ikere Ekiti, Alhaji Ahmed Adeniran, prayed for the success of the Biodun Oyebanji’s government.
The Cleric said; ” I want to appreciate the government for remembering us at this crucial time. The people won’t forget whatever the leaders done while in the saddle of governance.
“That is why our leaders must be conscious of whatever they do. They should try and satisfy their consciences. Nothing lasts forever. I want to appeal to this government to continue to consult widely with the people because democracy is about the citizens and not individuals”.
Speaking on behalf of the Shasha community, the Imam of Hausa Mosque, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, promised that his people would continue to cohabit peacefully with Yoruba land owners and as well pray for the success of the Oyebanji’s administration.
Malami said what the Deputy Governor did attested to the fact that Nigerians must love one another, irrespective of their tribe and religious inclinations.