Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on religious leaders to promote peaceful co-existence among adherents of different religions in the state.
He made this plea at the turbaning and installation ceremony of Sheikh Quasim Badejo as the new Chief Imam of Ijebu-Igbo, where he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.
Governor Abiodun assured that his administration would work with religious stakeholders to promote peace and tranquility, and consolidate achievements across the state, as meaningful development can only be sustained in a conducive atmosphere.
He charged the newly installed Chief Imam to use his position to promote peaceful co-existence among other religions, noting that his conduct and disposition could positively or negatively influence the people.
The governor congratulated the Islamic cleric on his new position, emphasizing its significance in promoting harmony among different religious groups.
The governor felicitated the Islamic cleric, saying his position was significant, as his conduct and disposition were capable of influencing the people positively or otherwise.
“I want to encourage you to use your office as the Chief Imam to inculcate in the people moral values and engender oneness among the people of Ijebu-Igbo and its environs, irrespective of religious affiliations,” he said.
Also speaking, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, while giving his royal blessings, expressed confidence that the newly installed Chief Imam would provide mentorship to the followers, promising to give the Imam a brand new car and build a befitting central mosque that would accommodate all the worshippers in Ijebu-North.
In his acceptance speech, Sheikh Badejo thanked Allah for the appointment, pledging to use the position to serve Allah, the Muslim faithful, and the residents of the town.
