Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged his administration’s steadfast commitment to maintaining a solid balance and equality among all religions to further entrench the culture and spirit of unity amongst diverse Nigerians.
The governor stressed the need for religious harmony among Nigerians, warned against fanaticism, and described it as a potent destroyer of a nation’s prosperity and progress.
He spoke in Ado Ekiti at the weekend during the 50th Priesthood Anniversary of the Jerusalem Church of the Lord International Primate, Ado Ekiti, Her Eminence, Dr. Iya-Ewe Babayemi.
Oyebanji, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the renowned Cleric’s exemplary contributions to the spiritual growth of Ekiti citizens and across the global community, saying her imprints had been felt in the pivotal areas of community development and others.
Speaking about his unshaken belief in the doctrine and principle of religious tolerance, the governor said, “Let me restate here that our governor is one leader who stoutly believes in peaceful co-existence among all the religions in the state.
“He has been preaching and exhibiting this in his actions and building the spirit of brotherhood with all religious leaders, regardless of denominations.
“This underscored that a state cannot profit from religious intolerance. Let us continue to see ourselves as one people in God specially created to serve Him and humanity most peacefully and progressively. This is the best way to build a society we can all be proud of”.
He congratulated Dr. Babayemi on her unbruised five decades of exemplary service in God’s vineyard, describing her as an honest, selfless, and spiritually endowed leader in the temple of God.
“50 years of service to God Almighty is remarkable and worth celebrating. This is particularly worth celebrating because while others are wasting away and indulging in criminalities and sins, our mother decided to follow the light and path of truth,” he said.
