Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended religious leaders across the state for promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, describing them as critical partners in sustaining security, unity and development.
The Governor gave the commendation when he received religious scholars from across the state at the Government House in Lokoja.
Ododo said religious leaders had continued to demonstrate that faith should be a force for unity and social harmony, stressing that religious institutions were not the problem of society but that selfish politicians sometimes exploited religious sentiments to create division for personal interests.
He urged the clerics to sustain their prayers for Kogi State and Nigeria while continuing to preach peace, tolerance and unity, describing them as influential voices and the mouthpieces of their respective communities.
The Governor commended the cordial relationship among religious bodies in Kogi, noting that the prevailing atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect remained essential to the state’s peace and development.
He stressed that government needed the wisdom, guidance and support of religious leaders to strengthen governance and address challenges affecting the people.
Ododo also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s supportive policies and commitment to subnational governments, noting that the Federal Government’s support had strengthened the capacity of states to deliver democratic dividends and tackle insecurity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kogi State, Ambassador Usman Bello, assured the Governor of the continued prayers and support of the Muslim community, declaring that Kogi Muslims remained solidly behind the administrations of Governor Ododo and President Tinubu.
Bello also called for government support towards revitalising the organisation that combines all religious bodies and strengthening its role in promoting religious understanding and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi State Chapter, Emmanuel Adebayo, assured the Governor of the Christian community’s continued prayers and support for his administration, emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation between government and religious institutions in advancing peace, unity and development.
