By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan, and Emma Ogoigbe, Warri.
Newly-appointed Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, has paid a courtesy visit to the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, His Eminence Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola (aka De-Damak), at his Ibadan residence in Ikolaba.
Alhaji Akinola seized the occasion to advise Nigerians to desist from politicising the security situation in the country, affirming that it was both Christians and Muslims that were being caught in the web of the insecurity menace.
This was just as Reverend Ogundiya also said interfaith unity and religious tolerance could not be overemphasised.
A statement today by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Aare Musulumi, Faysol Oluwakemi, indicated that Rev. Ogundiya, who was accompanied by the association’s Secretary and other executive members, expressed deep appreciation to the Aare Musulumi for his “tremendous efforts and consistent support in promoting unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians across Yorubaland.”
Speaking during the visit, the CAN Chairman reiterated the importance of sustained unity and religious tolerance between adherents of both faiths, noting that mutual respect and understanding remained critical factors for national stability, economic growth, and the overall development of the country.
In his remarks, the Aare Musulumi described unity, love, religious tolerance, and mutual respect between Muslims and Christians as non-negotiable.
He emphasised that in many families across the country, Muslims and Christians coexisted as one, further underscoring the need to continually strengthen interfaith harmony.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the Aare Musulumi cautioned against politicising security challenges, and called for collective responsibility, unity, and religious tolerance in addressing the challenges.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts towards ending insecurity in the country, adding that peace, harmony, and religious tolerance were essential foundations for Nigeria’s growth and sustainable development.
Bomadi LG Plugs Security Loopholes, Kicks Off 24-hr Patrols
In a related development, ahead of the Yuletide, Bomadi Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State has tightened security so as to guarantee peaceful celebrations.
The council consequently raised a committee saddled with the task of ensuring strict security measures.
It comprises personnel of the Military Joint Task Force ( JTF), Nigeria Police Force and members of Bomadi LG Vigilante group.
The committee is to come up with a modus operandi to curb insecurity, theft, cultism and other social vices.
In a statement, Bomadi Council Chairman, Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye, unfurled a 24- hour daily operation by the committee to ensure that communities in the LG remained safe and secure, restating his dedication to ensure security of citizens and property.
The Chairman banned the use of fireworks and explosives within the LG during the Yuletide.
While re-affirming the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the ban placed on fireworks and other explosives, Hon. Andaye stressed that it is aimed at preventing criminals from using such as a veil to rob and threaten the peace of communities.
Urging residents in Bomadi to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities, he emphasized the ‘if you see something, say something’ mantra.
Hon. Andaye assured that the Joint Patrol Team will work tirelessly to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide for all law abiding residents.
The council boss added: “As citizens, we have a duty to cooperate and assist our security personnel in their efforts to keep us safe. We are reminded that security is everybody’s responsibility and we must work together to maintain peace and stability in our community.”
Andaye concluded by appealing to the youth and residents to maintain sustained peaceful living, adding that the Yuletide is a season of celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ Who brings love, joy and peace to the entire world.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Police personnel on duty.
