Governor Seyi Makinde has intensified his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among various faiths in the state as well as entrenching advocacy for community policing across Oyo State.
In a bid to engender a secured and cohesive society, the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to the governor, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, has embarked on tour of the 33 local government areas of the state and holding series of meetings with religious leaders across different faiths.
The governor’s aide told westernmirror.com.ng in a phone chat on Thursday morning of May 23 that the tour of the 33 local government would climax in Ibadan where he would be meeting with religious leaders from different faiths with the focus on promoting peaceful coexistence and community policing.
Some of the places visited so far by the governor’s aide include local government areas in Oke-ogun geopolitical zone while the team heads to Oyo zone as it’s next destination in its itinerary.
Some of the religious leaders who received the governor’s aide in Oke-ogun include Barrister Imran Adewale Atilola, the chief imam of Tede in Saki and charman inter-religions council of Atisbo Local government, Oyo state.
Others are Pastor Roland, the charman Christian Associations (CAN) Atisbo Local government, Rev Oyebisi, the immediate past CAN charman Atisbo local government and other notable clerics and leaders of traditional worshippers.
According to Rev Ibikunle, the tour aims to integrate the principles of community policing with the influential support of religious leaders, ensuring that the message of safety and cooperation reaches every corner of the state.
“These meetings are part of a broader strategy to harness the moral and religious authorities, and community ties of religious figures to enhance public trust and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
“There is no alternative to peace and we can not accept any form of uneasy calmness but true and peaceful coexistence among people who will not allow themselves to be divided by reason of religious differences.” Rev Ibikunle said.
The gospel preacher cum politician emphasized the critical role of community policing in maintaining peace and security through harmonious coexistence among different religions in the state. He highlighted the importance of local involvement and the need for residents to work hand-in-hand with relevant authorities to sustain the relative peace across the state.
“Community policing is not just about the police; it’s about all of us taking responsibility for our safety and the safety of our neighbors. By working together, we can create an environment where everyone feels secure.
“The discussions also address ways to mediate conflicts and support vulnerable community members. Religious leaders across the state have critical role to play as role models to worshipers under their platforms and we intend to leverage on these various religious platforms to intensify our grassroots advocacy for peace.”
The religious leaders lauded the government’s proactive approach and pragmatic efforts in addressing salient interfaith issues and assured of their continuous support towards achieving the set goal of a peaceful coexistence among all residents in the state.