Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has stressed the need to make use of religious houses to find a way to change the narrative about the country for the better.
The Deputy Governor gave the admonition today while receiving the 14th Emir of Kano and President-General, JAM’IYYATU ANSARIDDEEN ATTIJANIYYA, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, on a courtesy visit at the Roundhouse, The Secretariat-Alausa, Ikeja.
Hamzat emphasized that religion plays a vital role in the lives of most Nigerians and this must be reflected in our daily activities adding that as citizens we all have a responsibility towards the growth and development of the nation.
Speaking further, he said hopefully, Nigerians can use their religious beliefs to understand that they have a duty towards the country and it is in itself, righteous when they do well for the country which is part of what all the Holy books talk about. He added that as citizens, we just need to make sure that we get that into our system and do the right thing for the development of Nigeria and generations yet unborn.
According to Hamzat, “Whether we like it or not religion plays a very vital role in the life of most Nigerians. On Sundays, we all go to churches, on Fridays, we go to the mosque. We must see the effect.
The deputy governor further emphasized the need for religious tolerance as there is no superiority in religion saying “God himself has made those diversities which is why there are different languages, among others. There is no superiority in the world except that person who does the right thing to fellow human beings and serves God, as we are all equal before God”.
Dr. Hamzat stated that we must all come together irrespective of religion so that we can build a nation that we can all be proud of, adding that “am sure if we build our country in the religious way that we all profess, our country will be far better than the way it is now”.
On the request for support by the organization, the deputy governor said the state government would assist the organization in the successful hosting of the event.
Earlier in the address, President General, JAM’IYYATU ANSARIDDEEN ATTIJANIYYA, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II disclosed that he was in the Deputy Governor’s Office to seek the support of the Lagos State Government towards the successful hosting of the Annual International Day (Maulid) in honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and Special Prayers for Nigeria to be organized by the association in Lagos holding between Wednesday, December 13th and Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at the National Stadium, Surulere.
According to the President-General, the 4-day programme with the theme, “The Prophetic Solution(s) to the Question(s) of Humanity” is one of the most revered events in the Islamic Calendar and a day when the faithful come together to honour the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet and seek blessings from Allah.
He added that over one million attendees are expected for the programme with attendance by revered Sheikhs and guests from several countries like Senegal, Morocco, Mauritania, Ghana, Niger, Cameroun, and Egypt among others thereby requiring a lot of logistical commitment on several fronts.
The President-General therefore called on the Lagos State government for their support and commitment towards the successful hosting of the event saying “We believe that your commitment to this event will further strengthen the existing relationship we have with Lagos State”.
