Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the need to utilise religious houses to change the narrative about the country for the better.
The deputy governor made this call while receiving the 14th Emir of Kano and President-General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, on a courtesy visit at the Roundhouse, Secretariat-Alausa, Ikeja.
Hamzat emphasised that religion plays a vital role in the lives of most Nigerians and must be reflected in the citizens’ daily activities. He said that all Nigerians are responsible for the nation’s growth and development.
The deputy governor expressed hope that Nigerians can use their religious beliefs to understand their duty towards the country, as doing what is right for the country is in line with the teachings of the Holy books.
“As citizens, we need to ensure that we incorporate these values into our lives and work for the development of Nigeria and future generations,” he said.
“Religion plays a significant role in the lives of most Nigerians. On Sundays, we go to churches, on Fridays, we go to the mosque. We must see the impact,” he added.
Hamzat further emphasized the need for religious tolerance, stating that there is no superiority in religion and that God has created diversity, including different languages.
“God has made these diversities, which is why there are different languages among us. There is no superiority in the world except for those who do right by their fellow human beings and serve God. We are all equal before God,” he said.
He called on people of all religions to come together to build a nation they can all be proud of, stating that if the country is built according to the religious values professed, it will be far better than it is now.
Regarding the organization’s request for support, the deputy governor assured that the state government would assist the organization in successfully hosting the event.
Earlier in his address, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, revealed that he was in the Deputy Governor’s Office to seek the support of the Lagos State government for the successful hosting of the Annual International Day (Maulid) in honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and Special Prayers for Nigeria. The event is scheduled to be held in Lagos between Wednesday, December 13th and Saturday, December 16th, 2023, at the National Stadium, Surulere.
He explained that the 4-day program, themed “The Prophetic Solution(s) to the Question(s) of Humanity,” is one of the most revered events in the Islamic Calendar. It’s a day when the faithful come together to honor the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet and seek blessings from Allah.
The monarch added that over one million attendees were expected for the program, with the presence of revered Sheikhs and guests from several countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Mauritania, Ghana, Niger, Cameroon, and Egypt. This would require a substantial logistical commitment.
He called on the state government to provide support and commitment towards the successful hosting of the event, believing that this commitment would further strengthen the organisation’s existing relationship with Lagos State.
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