Akeredolu urges NIREC on religious harmony
By Adekola Afolabi
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has admonished religious bodies to work assiduously for the sustenance of religious harmony and entrenchment of enduring peace in Ondo State and Nigeria in general.
The governor gave the admonition in his office during the inauguration of the 16-member council of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, (NIREC), Ondo State chapter.
Members of the newly inaugurated Ondo State chapter include Revd John Ayo Oladapo, The Very Revd Raphael Agboola, Rotji Nyokke Esq., Rev. Fr. Anslem Ologunwa, Bishop Abayomi Adegbite, Rev. S. A. Adebayo, Prophet Dr. Z.B Adeboriota, Primate Sunday Ojuolape, Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi, Alhaji Abibu Akinpelumi, Alhaji Basiru Alimi, Alhaji Akeem Akorede, Alhaji Yekini Alli, Alhaji A. O. Aladesawe, Abass Abubakre Mohammed and Alhaji Abdul Kareem Aminu.
Akeredolu who lauded efforts of religious bodies at maintaining peace across the state by which his administration has been able to get focused at delivering on its mandate, enjoined the newly inaugurated members of NIREC, to continue to preach peace among the two major religious groups in the state.
The governor further enjoined the council to remember the distressed families, widows, elderly, and children in need of protection and support.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, thanked the governor for the nomination and inauguration of the council.
She explained that NIREC though established by the Federal Government was domesticated by the Ondo State Government to help in fostering religious understanding and peace in the state.
According to the SSA, NIREC should continually work to engender mutual co-existience and inculcate moral discipline, affection, cordiality and religious tolerance among the citizens.
She added that the council must not relent in giving useful advice to government so as to stimulate development for the benefit of everyone.
Responding on behalf of the council members, Rev. John Oladapo who is the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the qualitative leadership he integrated into governance in Ondo State through delivery of multifaceted infrastructures.
While assuring the state government that NIREC will not fail in its assignment, Rev. Oladapo said the council would help government work for peace and harmony of the religious groups, and the entire state.
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has its members representatives of Christian and Islamic faiths in Nigeria with the main objective of promoting inter-religious harmony in the country.