The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has charged spiritual leaders in the country to use their pulpits to preach messages that would strengthen peaceful co-existence necessary for continued national development.
Governor Abiodun, who gave the charge at the Turbaning Ceremony of Shiekh Iskeel Muhammed Awwal (Sugar), as the Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, added that no development could take place in a society devoid of peace.
"Let me use this opportunity to call on all our spiritual leaders to ensure that the messages that will come forth from the pulpits are that which will uplift the people spiritually and encourage peaceful co-existence. These are necessary ingredients for continued on development.
"Our administration will continue to provide the ambience for the spiritual fullfilment of all our people. We will continue to ensure that our people practise their faith without being hindered or harrased," he assured.
He said though the State was made up of people with diverse political, ethnic and religious backgrounds, they have continued to co-exist, adding that his administration would continue to encourage such developments.
The Governor noted that it was imperative for the people to have the fear of God, as this would make them not only to perform their civil responsibilities, but make positive contributions that would fasttrack the socio-economic development of the nation.
Prince Abiodun affirmed that it was necessary as humans to choose people who are spiritually filled, to be a reminder of the commandments of Allah that would lead to the path of righteousness.
The Governor opined that the elevation of Shiekh Awwal was a call to greater service, as he now has more responsibilities not only to the Muslim Ummars, but the entire Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and humanity as a whole, calling for support from followers to enable him succeed.
"You are expected to ensure that Muslims not only adhere to the teaching of Islam, by worshipping Allah, but you are also to promote peaceful co-existence between the Muslim Ummars and the people of other faiths as preached by Prophet Muhammed (SAW)," he counselled.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Committee on Wakeelul Muslimeen Programme, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, said the appointment of Shiekh Iskeel Awwal, was a round peg in a round hole, expressing the hope that the new Wakeelul Muslimeen would use his position to help humanity.
Accepting his appointment, the new Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Shiekh Iskeel Awwal, said though he was not the best among various Islamic Scholars in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, his elevation was ordained by Allah, saying that his 18 years of tutelage under the first Wakeelul Muslimeen, Shiekh Bamidele Biobaku had prepared him for the task ahead.
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