Eid-el-Kabir: Oyetola Speaks On Religious Tolerance And Peace
Nigerians have been asked to maintain religious tolerance and peace in the country as Muslims throughout the world celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in 2021.
During and during the Christmas season, Muslims were asked to extend their hands of friendship to those who were less fortunate.
Gboyega Oyetola, the governor of Osun State, said this during the two rakats prayer at Osogbo central Eid, Oke-Baale, Osogbo, on Tuesday.
The governor congratulated the Muslim faithful while emphasizing the need of living in peace despite religious differences.
He said, “I congratulate all the Muslims in Osun State, in Nigeria and all the whole world at large. We thank God that we are able to celebrate this year’s celebration. Last year, we couldn’t celebrate it. But we thank God for giving us the grace to be here today.
“I want to enjoin our people to live in peace. They should extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged. They deserve to celebrate as well.
“We should not emphasise religious differences. We must have religious tolerance. We must love our neighbours.”
Oyetola enjoined Osun citizens and residents of the state to continue to maintain peace and avoid anything that will threaten the peace of the state.
“Let’s live in peace. Osun is noted for peace. I want us to continue to be celebrated as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheik Musa Animasahun, who spoke on the theme of peace, emphasised the need for Nigerians to promote peace and unity.
He also enjoined the Muslim faithful to appreciate God who made it possible to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir despite the setbacks of last year which were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The central mosque was filled with excited Muslim faithful from Osun State and beyond who had gathered to pray to God and mark the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The worshippers also complied with the safety protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic through the use of facemasks among others.
