The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has donated two buses to the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Dr. Yunus Teilat Ayilara, PhD and the family of the late Sarkin Sasa for the propagation of Islam.
The governor, who made the pronouncement at the 11th Omituntun Annual Ramadan Public Lecture, held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, said that the gesture is in fulfillment of the promises he made to the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Makinde called on people of the state to live in peace and oneness in order for the state to continue to witness progress and stability.
He stressed that it is only when residents are united that the state can achieve more.
The governor equally called on the Muslim Ummah to offer more prayers for the state, just as he declared that their support over the years has enabled the government to achieve many things.
“I believe we were able to achieve all the things we have been able to achieve because of your support. So, I want to really thank you and solicit for more prayers so that we can progress as a state.
“In this period of Ramadan, I want all of us to know that this is our state and it is only when we are united and have peaceful co-existence that we can achieve more. When we come together, we achieve more.
“The Guest Lecturer spoke about our neighbours. If God wanted the existence of only one ethnic or religion or sect, he has the capacity to do it. But he created us to have multiple ethnic groups, different religions and different sects. By doing that, He has preached to us about the need for unity.
“So, let us use the opportunity of this holy month to co-exist peacefully beyond the Ramadan period for unity and stability in our state.”
“The lecturer also emphasised on fulfillment of promise and I concluded that I would continue to live up to that expectation. Last year, I promised that the guest lecturer would go home with a new bus this year, and it will be fulfilled before the end of this week.
“Another promise was made about three weeks ago; Baba Sarkin Sasa came to condole with me at home on the death of my elderly brother. He requested for a bus then and I made a promise to him that I would give him. So, despite the fact that he is late, I will still release the bus in fulfillment of my promise and to show that today’s lecture has started taking effect in my life.”
Earlier, while delivering the Ramadan lecture entitled: “Benefits of being a good neighbour: An Islamic Perspective,” the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Imam Yunus Teilat Ayilara, PhD, charged people to imbibe the act of peaceful co-existence and tolerate their neighbours.
He added that religion should not create problems, irrespective of different ethnic groups, gender and nationality.
He equally lauded Governor Makinde for being God-fearing; urging him to remain steadfast in doing what is right for the benefit of mankind.
In his opening remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, noted that Ramadan is a period of perseverance and tolerance, even as he commended women for their resilient efforts in coping with the demands at the home front.
Also In their separate goodwill messages, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola and a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, eulogised Governor Makinde, describing him as a God-fearing leader, who accommodates everyone, irrespective of religious differences.
They also commended his efforts in completing projects abandoned by past administrations, praying for more achievements in his government.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Barr Adebayo Lawal, PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Debo Ogundoyin; member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Hon. Shina Oyedeji; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Tajudeen Abdulganiyu, and the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Local government pension board, Alhaji Lukman Muraina.
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