Ekiti Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye has assured all religions practising in the state of a fair deal and unbiased prioritization of their welfare to entrench the culture of religious tolerance in the system.
Afuye, who acknowledged the crucial role of religion in bringing men closer to God and teaching morals, thereby reducing crimes in society, restated the resolve of Oyebanji’s government to work harmoniously with religious stakeholders in the state to entrench a peaceful society.
According to the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, Afuye stated these while playing host to the members of the newly inaugurated Christians Pilgrimage Welfare Board, led by its chairman, the current Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter Chairman, Revd. Emmanuel Aribasoye in her office in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.
In her message to the Board members, Mrs Afuye said building a society bereft of religious fanaticism and intolerance remains the best way to launch Nigeria to join the League of Developed States of the World.
Mrs Afuye branded religious extremism that manifested in the facets of hatred, insurgency and senseless bombings and killings as a destroyer of humanity, which she said must be condemned by all lovers of humanity.
She applauded the governor for constituting a full-fledged Christian studded board for the pilgrimage organ, which she noted was the first of its kind in the history of the state.
“We must first appreciate our amiable governor for putting you, the state CAN chairman and other top Christian leaders in charge of the board. This is a historic feat. No nation can toy with the religions of its citizens owing to its connections with moral upbringing and spiritual rebirth.
“The constitution of the board shows the seriousness of the government in putting the Christians directly in charge of their affairs and he has always been fair to all religious bodies in the state.'”,she enthused.
In his submission, the new chairman of the state Christian Pilgrimage Welfare Board who doubles as the CAN chairman for the state, Revd. Emmanuel Aribasoye had extolled the virtues of the governor as a man who has the fear of God.
He explained that Christians in the state had never had it so good, assuring xxx they would keep on supporting the government to ensure God’s purpose for Ekiti people come into fruition.
Also lending his voice, the Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi opined that the experience of the Deputy Governor in pilgrimage matters would give the new board a sound footing.
He expressed hope that Christian pilgrimage affairs would reach a new height under the current leadership.
