The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has called on religious groups in the state to promote peaceful co-existence before and beyond the 2023 elections.
Hamzat made the call during a programme to mark the 25th anniversary of Ifako-Ijaiye Muslim Community.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a fundraiser for an Islamic Centre in Iju-Ishaga was also embedded in the programme.
Represented by the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Chairman, Usman Hamzat, the deputy governor said peaceful coexistence of all religious groups was key to the successful conduct of the general elections.
“This community is a peaceful place and we want more of that peaceful co-existence of religious groups in the local government and the state, as that is important for successful elections next year.
“Residents must participate in politics actively and positively to fast-track growth and development.
“We must live together in peace and do the right things as dictated by the Bible and Quran.
“The country will be a peaceful place if we are not deviating from the teachings of the two Holy Books,” he said.
Hamzat urged Muslim faithful to strive to instill moral values in their children so that they would be useful to themselves and the country in the future.
He appealed to the residents of the state to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and participate in the general elections.
Hamzat also urged residents to vote for the All Progressives Congress for the delivery of more dividends of democracy .
On his part, the President IIMC, Lateef Sunmonu, said the Islamic centre was initiated 20 years ago and that the project was yet to be actualised owing to paucity of funds.
Sunmonu said that his predecessors did a lot to ensure that the centre was completed during their tenures, but it was not achieved.
“This is another call to all Muslim faithful to do their best to achieve the completion of this project within the shortest time possible in Ifako-Ijaye.
“This can be done through the donation of cash or building materials towards the completion of the project,” he said.
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