Despite not having a large Muslim population, the Akwa Ibom State Government sponsors no fewer that 250 muslims yearly to hajj in Saudi Arabi and also makes available N10 million soft loan to those who belong to muslim organizations in the state.
The state said these were clear demonstrations of its commitment to building bridges across religious divides.
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who stated this on Tuesday at the opening of a three-day Nigeria Inter-religious Council meeting at Ibom Hall, Uyo, further said the state government has issued a Certificate of Occupancy to muslims in the state for the construction of a building and has donated N17 million for acquisition of land for the building of a mosque in the state capital.
Akpabio noted that his administration has introduced free, compulsory education for Akwa Ibom State indigenes and other Nigerians resident in the state irrespective of religious divide in the spirit of brotherhood and unity of the country.
He explained that the aim of the meeting was to discuss the security situation of the country and how to promote peaceful co-existence and understanding among the two major religions in the country.
The governor remarked: “With this meeting, Nigeria can be united in spite of our religious differences.
“Let us light the torch of religious tolerance for peace to strive in our country.
“Just as the meeting deals on love, peace and harmony, we must stand together just as our forefathers stood and striven together.
“Nigeria then had no space for tribalism, greed and hatred, so we must let go all that has wrongly eaten so deep into us and love one another by preaching peace.
“With the recent African Nations Cup, where own Super Eagles won, causing Nigerians to troop out in number to celebrate not dwelling on religious differences, likewise we must unite and become one as Nigerians.
“Therefore, this meeting is impactful for Nigerians, where we all sit together to discuss issues that concern the country and proffer solutions to it.
“The meeting, I believe, shall also contribute to peaceful co-existence and promotion of good governance.”
Akpabio then called on victims of Boko Haram and other sectarian crises, who have lost their loved ones and property in the various crises in the country, to forgive the perpetrators of the crimes for peace to reign in the country.
He said Akwa Ibom State is successful because there is peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state.
Akpabio, who said his administration has carried the two religions along by appointing people with diverse culture and religion into positions in his administration, charged Nigerians to love themselves for peace to reign in spite of their religious differences for the nation to move forward.
The governor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his various polices on governance for the growth of the country and thanked the president, vice president and members of NIREC for choosing the state for this year’s meeting.
Speaking earlier, the Co-chairman of NIREC, who is also the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the body would continue to work together in forming a befitting and united country people would be proud of.
Oritsejafor said the body would continue to preach peace for the unity of the country, with the backing of the Federal Government.
Oritsajafor said they would be frank in their preaching, and stressed that through them, Nigerians would see great potentials in them to correct lack of peace in the country, assuring to continue to work together in bringing succour and peace to the country.
He said he was proud of Akpabio on his landmark achievements so far and for taking a bold step in preaching peace.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, said the meeting is an indication that both religions could live together in peace.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Otuaha; the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu IV; Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Bishop of Abuja Diocese of Catholic Church; and the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang.
Others were the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo; the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Ola Makinde; Sheik A. A. Idoko, Vice-President of NSCIA; Emir of Kazaure, Dr. Najib Hassani Adamu; and the Etsu of NUPE, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
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