By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and security across the state, describing them as critical to development and social stability.
The governor made this known at a one-day peace conference in Okene with the theme “Essence of Peace and Unity Among the Muslim Ummah”.
He said the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safety of lives and property, stressing that peace remains the foundation of effective security.
According to Governor Ododo, beyond conventional security measures, his administration is deploying non-kinetic approaches, including dialogue and stakeholder engagement, to foster lasting peace.
He explained that the meeting with Islamic leaders was aimed at constructively engaging them on the need to “give peace a chance” for the unity of the state and the well-being of its people.
“We have come to meet with our people, particularly Islamic leaders, to discuss how to promote peace and unity so that our people can sleep with their eyes closed,” he said. “To ensure peace, you must engage all critical stakeholders, including Islamic scholars, Christian leaders and traditional rulers.”
The governor noted that he had met with prominent Islamic scholars from Kogi Central, including leaders from the Various District, and noted that consultations would also extend to other districts, Christian leaders and traditional institutions.
Governor Ododo urged religious leaders to avoid misinterpreting Holy Books, calling on parents to closely monitor the movement and conduct of their children in line with Islamic teachings.
He emphasized that religious preaching should focus on unity among Ebira leaders as a pathway to attracting development to the area.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, describing it as paramount to peace, and encouraged residents to value and preserve their culture to promote harmony and attract tourism.
The governor also advised religious adherents to pray for leaders in authority rather than resorting to constant criticism, promising to support and empower any religious body committed to promoting peace through its teachings.
He stressed the importance of forgiveness, noting that “nobody is perfect,” and prayed for the founding fathers who sacrificed for peace in Ebira and called on Islamic clerics to consistently preach peace.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ebira Muslim Peace Initiative Committee, Ustaz Ismail Obosi, in a paper titled “Fostering Peace and Unity Among the Various Islamic Sects and Groups in Ebira”, said unity among Muslims is achievable but requires both sincere intentions and effective systems.
He highlighted common elements that unite Muslims, including the Shahadah, the Qur’an, the Sunnah, the Five Pillars of Islam, and universal values such as justice, mercy and compassion.
Obosi explained that unity does not imply uniformity, but rather the acceptance of diversity while upholding shared Islamic principles.
He added that joint community service projects can help Muslims from different groups work together toward common goals, and stressed that scholars, imams, elders and community leaders must lead by example.
According to him, Friday sermons and public statements should condemn sectarian violence and actively promote unity.
Other speakers at the event, including the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, HRH Alhaji Tijani Anaje; the Ohi Oteyete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Ozi Isa Salami; and the Provost of the National Defence College, Abuja, Adams Abere, also called on religious leaders to practice what they preach to enhance unity and peace in Ebira land.
They commended Governor Ododo for his philanthropic gestures and inclusive governance across the state..
The conference was attended by Islamic clerics from various sects, top government officials from Kogi Central, and traditional rulers, all united in a call for sustained peace and harmony in the state.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings