The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, have advocated religious harmony, underscoring the critical importance of fostering harmony among Nigerians irrespective of religious or political persuasions.
The spoke on Friday at the commissioning of the Odo-Noforija Ultra-Modern Central Mosque, at Odo-Noforija, Epe, Lagos State.
They emphasised that peaceful coexistence remains essential for national unity, stability, and sustainable development.
Others who shared a similar view at the well-attended event included the Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar.
According to the First Lady, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs and Strategy, Office of the First Lady, Wahab Alawiye-King: “Islamic teachings emphasised tolerance, compassion, and the spiritual duty of serving all humanity, regardless of religious differences.”
She urged Nigerians to regard the nation’s diversity as a source of strength rather than a factor for division among its people.
In the same vein, Dr. Hamzat urged Nigerians to continually pursue peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious differences, noting that the nation can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.
In addition, he called on Nigerians to consistently pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for divine guidance, wisdom, and long life, stressing that he means well for the country.
He said: “As we pray for the country, the nation will continue to grow in peace, unity, and prosperity.”
In his goodwill message, Fashola emphasised the importance of religious harmony in driving national development, describing the commissioning of the mosque as a powerful symbol of unity between faiths.
He said: “This occasion highlights the need for harmony in faith.
“We are commissioning a mosque built through the collaboration of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, JP, the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija, and Alhaji Abdul Jelil Animashaun, the Chairman/CEO of Al-Hujaaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Limited, leaders from different religious backgrounds.
“It shows that we can live together as one nation despite our differences.
“We have demonstrated this before during the MKO Abiola era, where the late politician single-handedly built a church.
“And today, we are once again repeating that history.”
In his keynote address, Alhaji Abubakar described the occasion as a powerful symbol of unity among religious communities in Nigeria.
He opined that such harmony could be replicated across the country.
He said: “I am impressed by what I have witnessed at this event.
“It demonstrates that we can live together in peace despite our differences in religious beliefs.
“I only wish that what is happening here today could be reflected in every part of our nation.”
