The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have underscored the 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 in Odo-Noforija, Epe, both emphasized that peaceful coexistence remains essential for national unity, stability, and sustainable development.
Former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Etsu of Nupe, HRH Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also shared similar views at the event.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs and Strategy, Office of the First Lady, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, said Islamic teachings emphasise tolerance, compassion, and the spiritual duty of serving all humanity regardless of religious differences. She urged Nigerians to regard the nation’s diversity as a source of strength rather than a factor for division.
Dr. Hamzat urged Nigerians to continually pursue peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious differences, noting that the nation can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding. He also called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for divine guidance, wisdom, and long life, stressing that he means well for the country. “As we pray for the country, the nation will continue to grow in peace, unity, and prosperity,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Mr. 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.
“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,” Fashola said.
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 said 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, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Eredo, HRM Oba 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 said 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 their tomorrow.
He 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 boost the religious commitment of the people of the community. He added that this would further strengthen inter-religious beliefs within the community.
The cleric charged that whosoever wants Allah to remember them should also assist in the development of the work of Allah.
