By Nudoiba Ojen
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday evening hosted Muslim leaders across the state at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti.
Among those in attendance at the event where the governor had iftar (breaking of fast) with the Muslim leaders were the President, League of Imam and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta State, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; the lead Missioner, Nasrul-Lahi-ii Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Ekiti State Chapter, Alhaji Abdulfattah Abdulazeez; and the President, Ekiti State Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Hameed Bakare.
Attendees also included the Atta of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Abdumumini; former Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Hakeem Jamiu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Ekiti State Commissioner for Regional Development and inter-governmental Affairs, Dr Kareem Makanjuola Akande; Muslims leader, among others.
Oyebanji, on the occasion
called for a greater level of cooperation and collaboration among adherents of major religions in the state in order to promote religious harmony, noting that Ekiti people are one irrespective of religion.
At the event attended by Muslim leaders, scholars, and the government functionaries, the governor thanked the Muslim community for the continuous prayers, support and love for his administration and for sustaining religious harmony in the state, stressing that the peaceful atmosphere had brought about significant development in the state.
He said, “Let me thank the Muslim faithful for your support for our government because the way you supported me before, during, and after the elections amazed me and my prayer is that I will not disappoint you.
“I will just urge our people that the love that exist between the two religions and the other faith in the state should be nurtured because when there is love the state will progress and I know that in Ekiti State, I keep telling my friends that we are one”.
Oyebanji urged Muslims to utilize the opportunity provided by the ongoing ramadan season to continue to pray for the development of the state and the country at large.
Rt Hon. Hakeem Jamiu and Alhaji Hameed Bakare, lauded the governor for holding the iftah with them and for according Muslims in the state a proper recognition.
Also in his lecture, the NASFAT lead Missioner in Ekiti, Alhaji Abdulfattah Abdulazeez, expressed his gratitude to the governor for his giant strides in the state and for being a god fearing leader.
He assured the governor that Muslims in the state would continue to support and pray for his administration, stressing that it is the only way they can pay back the Governor for all his good deeds.
