Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions across the state.
The Governor made this known at a one-day peace conference organised by the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative in Okene.
Governor Ododo, who appealed for tolerance and mutual understanding among Muslims, described the conference—themed “Essence of Peace and Unity Among the Muslim Ummah”—as a significant step towards fostering enduring peace within the Muslim community.
He commended the organisers for initiating dialogue aimed at promoting unity among Muslims while encouraging tolerance among people of diverse religious backgrounds. According to him, peace remains the foundation upon which the development and progress of any society must be built.
The Governor noted that the conference provides a platform for promoting social cohesion and preventing conflicts capable of undermining collective progress, stressing that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and disharmony.
“No society can grow in an environment of hatred and division. Peace is the foundation upon which prosperity is built, and unity is the bond that holds us together as one people,” Governor Ododo stated.
He added that leadership responsibility goes beyond protecting lives and property to ensuring unity across communities, emphasizing that peace must be nurtured through continuous engagement with religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers.
Governor Ododo explained that his administration prioritises non-kinetic approaches to security by engaging critical stakeholders, particularly religious leaders who enjoy the trust and loyalty of their followers.
“Our major responsibility is to provide security for our people, and in doing so, we must ensure unity in the land. One of the ways to achieve lasting peace is through constructive engagement,” he said.
He further emphasized that Islamic scholars, Christian leaders, and traditional institutions remain key partners in sustaining long-term peace, as their grassroots influence helps shape values of tolerance, restraint, and mutual respect.
“We have met with Islamic scholars across Ebiraland and the Kogi Central Senatorial District, and we are extending similar engagements to the West and East, as well as to Christian and traditional institutions,” the Governor added.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, urged Muslims to embrace tolerance and mutual respect, calling on them to desist from hate and divisive conduct as torchbearers of the Islamic faith.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Ebira Muslim Peace Initiative, Ustaz Ismail Ovosi, called for greater unity among the various Islamic sects in Ebiraland. He urged Muslims to focus on shared beliefs and values rather than differences and warned against political manipulation that deepens societal divisions.
He advocated continuous inter-sect dialogue and cooperation as vital tools for preserving peace within the Muslim community and the wider society.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland admonished participants to remain worthy ambassadors of their faith, calling for sustained unity, peace, and progress among the Muslim Ummah and the entire Ebira nation.
He urged religious leaders to model respectful engagement and promote authentic knowledge to dispel misconceptions, noting that unity remains essential for a peaceful and progressive Ebiraland.
Participants at the conference resolved to strengthen peaceful coexistence and support ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring stability among Muslims, reinforcing the shared belief that peace remains the most valuable asset for growth and development.
