Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for greater religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the promotion of moral values as essential ingredients for sustainable development in communities across the state.
Governor Ododo made the call on Friday while commissioning the Gegu-Beki Central Mosque in Kogi Local Government Area.
He stressed the need for religious institutions to contribute to peace, good character and service to humanity.
The Governor said the strength of a community goes beyond its wealth and physical structures, noting that the values instilled in its people by adherence to religious values remain critical to sustaining a peaceful and progressive society.
He urged the people of Gegu-Beki to make good use of the newly completed mosque as a centre for worship, moral instruction, peaceful interaction and positive influence, particularly among the younger generation.
Governor Ododo described the mosque as a product of faith, sacrifice and the collective commitment of the people to the development of their community.
He commended the mosque committee, donors, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions towards completing the project, which had remained unfinished for 23 years after its foundation was laid in 2003.
The Governor also called on sons and daughters of Gegu-Beki and well-wishers of the community to support the construction of a new palace for the traditional ruler of the community, stressing that traditional institutions remain important to the preservation of culture, identity and grassroots leadership.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, expressed delight over the completion of the mosque, recalling that the foundation-laying ceremony took place in 2003.
Gegu said several efforts were made over the years to complete the project, but the intervention and support received under the present administration finally brought the long-awaited project to completion.
He attributed the achievement to the contributions of the people, critical stakeholders and the Kogi State Government, describing the completion as a source of great joy to the community.
He called on Nigerians, particularly the youths, to support policies and programmes that promote peace, development and prosperity.
The Sultan of Sokoto represented by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar urged the community to use the facility not only for worship but also for moral instruction, peaceful coexistence and the promotion of unity.
Other speakers at the ceremony commended the initiative and expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo and Engr. Bashiru Gegu for their contributions towards completion of the project.
The commissioning ceremony attracted Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders and other dignitaries from within and outside Kogi State.
