As part of ongoing efforts to deepen peaceful coexistence and strengthen religious harmony at the grassroots level, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Olufemi Ibikunle, has taken the administration’s advocacy efforts to Ogbomoso zone of the Oyo State.
The engagement brought together top religious and community leaders, youth representatives, and other key stakeholders to a constructive dialogue targeted at promoting mutual understanding and tolerance among diverse faith groups.
The meeting, held today at Lagbemi Onsekun Hall, Ogbomoso South Local Government Secretariat, Arowomole Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Stakeholders at the event included leaders from Christian, Islamic, and traditional faith communities, as well as youth and women’s groups.
The stakeholders meeting witnessed a robust exchange of ideas centered on strengthening interfaith collaboration and addressing challenges threatening peaceful coexistence.
Reverend Ibikunle highlighted Governor Makinde’s commitment to building a society where people of different faiths can live and work together harmoniously.
The governor’s aide disclosed that religious leaders were well represented across the five local government in the geopolitical zone comprising Ogo-Oluwa, Ogbomoso North, Orire, Surulere, and Ogbomoso South.
“Religious harmony is the bedrock of societal progress. Governor Makinde believes that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of understanding and cooperation among people of diverse beliefs.
“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that this message reaches every corner of Oyo State.
“This is an ongoing stakeholders engagement because the administration of governor Seyi Makinde has continued to engender Inclusivity at all levels.
“We’re taking the gospel of the good in Oyo state under the leadership of our mentor and father, Governor Seyi Makinde, to every nooks and crannies of the state and to ensure that no part is left behind in this advocacy.
“Our governor has done so much, so unprecedented, that we can not allow any form of limitation in information dissemination to deny the good people of Oyo state resident at the grassroots, the sense of inclusiveness in governance.
Representative of the three major religions; Christians, Muslims, African Traditional Worshippers in Ogbomoso, commended the Makinde-led government for its proactive approach, saying, “Dialogue like this is crucial. It gives us the platform to air our views and strengthens our unity with other faiths.”
They expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would help curb religious intolerance at the grassroots level.
Reverend Ibikunle, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuous dialogue and collaboration with all religious groups and emphasized that peace and development go hand in hand.