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Tag: tolerance

  • Imbibe spirit of tolerance, sacrifice exhibited by Christ, say APC, SDP

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have asked Christians in the country to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and sacrifice as exhibited by Jesus Christ as a way of building a peaceful nation.

    In separate Easter messages to Christians, both parties said Nigerians should set aside religious affiliation and work towards building a peaceful and united nation in order to achieve the collective dream of the people.

    The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, asked Christians to use the period to pray for the safe return of the school children abducted by Boko Haram and who have remained in their custody.

    He said, “As we gather around family, friends and loved ones for the festivities, we also urge Nigerians to remember in our thoughts and prayers the abducted school children who remain in the captivity of terrorists. We assure of the federal government’s solid commitment to ensure their safe release and bring lasting peace to the country’s Northeast.”

    Also, the SDP said Nigerians should use the period to reflect more on the things that bind us together as brothers and sisters, not those that divide us.

    While wishing Christians joyful and rewarding season, National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam congratulated Christians for completing the Lenten period that preceded the Easter festivity, and urged them to ruminate on the life and times of Jesus Christ.

  • ‘Love, tolerance vital to Nigeria’s security matter’

    ‘Love, tolerance vital to Nigeria’s security matter’

    Love and tolerance among Nigerians will boost security and promote peace across the country, speakers at a global conference in Lagos have said.

    The two attributes formed the crux of discussions at the fourth international conference on love and tolerance, with the theme: Countering Violent Extremism, at NECA House in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

    It was organised by UKUF Dialogue.

    The keynote speaker was a Professor of History in the United Lutheran Seminary, Jon Pahl.

    The expert said because of the security challenges facing the country, the way forward for lasting peace is people’s respect for the country.

    According to him, peace must be embraced by all for the nation to be secured.

    Pahl said: “I have studied Nigeria and I see people with great potentials. Nigeria has Christians, Muslims, indigenous traditions and they have the potentials to make Nigeria a great country. Government should support religious freedom and allow people to practise their faith, learn their faith and learn those of others.”

    The history professor urged religious leaders to be authentic, united and forthright.

    He said: “Anyone who teaches violence in the name of religion is not teaching religion.”

    UKUF Dialogue’s Director Bilal Saglam said the conference was meant to promote dialogue, culture of coexistence, natural understanding and establish a common platform aiming information and opinion exchange.

    He said: “Our aim is to be one of the most active and effective foundations in Nigeria on peace and conflict resolution strategies and by contributing to peace.

    “Our dialogue serves to stand by societal peace, love, respect and compassion in support of human dignity and the greater good by striving to preserve the common values of humanity, including respect, tolerance, peace and mutual understanding.”

    Chief Iman of the University of Lagos Muslim Community, Prof Muritala Bidmus, stressed the need for peace education.

    Bidmus said: “The major problem we must tackle is our intellect and how we use it is what matters in relation to ensuring peace in our society. If we use our intellect the way it would produce violence and terrorism, that is what we will get. We should decide to make use of the proficiency God has given us for good. We should make our heart clean because a clean heart will not think of violence, terrorism or corruption. Christian and Islamic clerics should promote love, peace and share values.”

    The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Prof Bamigbola Alexander, noted that peace is what the world mostly needs.

    He said: “There is the spirit of insecurity all over the world; we have to pray to God to take that sprit away from our nation. Nigerians are people of peace, but those who are not giving us peace in the nation substantially are not Nigerians. We have problems in Niger Delta, but you see dialogue taking place. When you see these Boko Haram, the Herdsmen, they are not Nigeria’s. Nigerians can sit down to talk about peace for the good of their children, spouse, and the environment, but when we have strangers, the Herdsmen that comes with guns are from other lands, they have no interest in the peace of our land.”

    The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, said every religion preaches peace.

    “Christian and Muslim religions aggress that there is God and they worship him, and there are many things in common in the Bible and Quran.  There is need for re orientation of Clerics to ensure that people no longer worship with emotions but with knowledge. Most of the people passionate about religion are not knowledgeable about it. We must use the Church and Mosque to let people know that the objective behind religion is peace.  When you propagate your religion in a manner that leads to kiosk, is no longer a religion. Every religion is expected to impact in the lives of others in a peaceful manner.”

     

     

  • I-G preaches tolerance, peace, harmony

    I-G preaches tolerance, peace, harmony

    Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris, has called on Nigerians to eschew acrimony, embrace tolerance and peace to foster unity and development.

    Idris spoke at a meeting with stakeholders in Nasarawa State in view of the killings in Benue and Nasarawa states.

    “The president has delegated me to be here to reconcile the various interest groups in Benue and Nasarawa states.

    “I was in Benue yesterday with stakeholders and I am here today to hear your views and experiences on the incidences in the various communities to arrive at an amicable resolution.

    “As security officers, we do not demonise people but carry out actions geared toward ensuring peace and harmony in various communities,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to be tolerant and be their brothers’ keepers for peace and harmony to prevail.

    The inspector-general assured the people of the state that the police and other security agencies would not relent to provide security for them.

    “In this light, I am deploying five additional mobile police units to Nasarawa State to ensure the security of the people, especially those in the border communities.

    Governor Umaru Al-Makura appreciated President Buhari for the initiative aimed at solving the problems bedeviling the two states.

    Al-Makura assured that the State Government would give the security agencies all necessary support to succeed in the assignment of restoring peace and unity amongst all ethnic nationalities.

    He said that government would continue to engage all stakeholders in the state through its community-based conflict resolution mechanism and recommended that other states of the federation should adopt same for peaceful co-existence.

  • Nigerians told to exhibit spirit of tolerance

    Nigerians told to exhibit spirit of tolerance

    Nigerians have been enjoined to exhibit the spirit of tolerance and love in their dealings with one another to foster peaceful co-existence of the country.

    The Ayangburen of Ikoroduland, Oba Kabii Shotobi, offered the advice while speaking at the 90th anniversary of Zumuratul  Islamiyat Society of Nigeria in Ikeja.

    The traditional ruler stated that the unity of the country is important for Nigeria to achieve the desired level of development and continue its leading role in Africa.

    He called on members of the society and other Islamic organizations to emulate the teachings of Prophet Muhammed and tolerate people with other religious beliefs.

    In his lecture, the guest speaker and principal of the Markers Islamic Institute,  Agege, Lagos,  Sheik Abibullahi Alilory, stressed the need for Islamic organizations to contribute more towards the development of the communities through the provision of infrastructural facilities, such as health care centres and educational institutions.

    Also, the Deputy President of Zumuratul Islamiyat Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammed Bello Oyinlomo-Danmole, urged Muslims to involve themselves more in politics so that they could be part of decision-making body in the society.

    Alhaji Oyinlomo – Danmole, who was a former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, said  Muslims must also endeavour to educate their children and wards so that they could be more useful to the society.

    Earlier, the Medical Director of Ekemode Memorial Hospital,  Dr. Naheem Ade-Ekemode, called for religious unification and settlement in other to encourage peace in the world.

    Dr.  Ade-Ekemode commended the religious group for its contributions to the national growth through dahwah, educational improvement and welfarism of both Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.

  • Lagos governor’s wife preaches tolerance, love

    Lagos governor’s wife preaches tolerance, love

    Wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, has urged people to exhibit tolerance in their relationship with one another.

    She made the remark at a Christmas party jointly organised for children by Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area and Lekki Local Council Development Area at Iberekodo on Tuesday.

    The governor’s wife, who was represented by the wife of the chairman of Lekki LCDA, Alhaja Adepeju Ogidan, also urged people to show love to the less privileged  in the society.  In his keynote address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Bade Adebowale noted that love, tolerance and perseverance are the virtues of Christ, which people must emulate.

  • Priest preaches peace, tolerance at Unusual Praise

    The Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Lekki 1 Lagos, Reverend Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu, has charged Christians to cultivate the habits of praising God.

    This, he said, will help to promote peace, unity, tolerance and harmony among Nigerians.

    He said this at the Unusual Praise 2017 organised by Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Lekki at Atrium Events Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

    Thousands attended the event with renowned American gospel singer, Nicole Mullen, Sammie Okposo, Nathaniel Bassey, Steve Crown, Frank Edwards, Samsong, Chioma Jesus, Chinyere Udoma, Joe Praize and Obiwon as ministers.

    According to the Priest, when people come together to worship God, they forget their tribes, denominations and cultural differences.

    “I am very excited as gospel artists from different tribes, languages and cultures came together to lead God’s people in praising God.

    “When praise goes up without any biases, blessings will definitely come down,” he said.

    He described Unusual Praise was inspired by the needs to continuously lead God’s people to elevated praise, worship and prayer.

     

    “We believe that through this, we can lead one united family of God closer to Him,” he stated.

    Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chimeze Emewulu, said Unusual Praise has grown tremendously since inception in 2011.

    It is reputed as the biggest of its kind within the Roman Catholic community in Africa.

     

  • Global exigency of tolerance

    SIR: The United Nations has since 1995 declared November 16 of every year as World Tolerance Day. However, that the world has not been able to transform this noble vision into reality; that the human race still continues to experience tensions, conflicts, and wars caused by inter-personal, inter-ethnic, inter-state, inter-racial and inter-civilizational intolerance, are facts that are indisputable.

    Observably, the world has been paying little attention to the need to collectively inculcate mutual tolerance and shun violence.

    Today, many religious organizations and practitioners are also perpetrating violence by not accommodating others, all in the name of their religious ideologies. Similarly, from the Middle East countries to Nigeria, France, UK and Myanmar etc, the world has turned into a hotbed of terrorism and lack of peace and security, all due to socio-political ideological differences. In fact, Nigeria, in particular, has also been witnessing such expression of intolerance in almost every corner of its six geo-political zones with resultant cases of hate speech, tribal partisanship, kidnapping, and bombings etc.

    As far as Islam is concerned, it should be clearly noted that, as a religion of peace, it does not in any way encourage violence borne out of intolerance for fellow human being. The Holy Founder of Islam in his lifetime lived with people of different religions, ethnicities, social classes and races for the purpose of establishing and promoting socio-religious peace. Therefore, those using Islam to promote intolerance and evil actions have personal and worldly motives, neglecting the true Islamic principles of mutual tolerance, love, respect, and justice.

    As we celebrate another World Tolerance Day, it is worthy of note that the global peace we all yearn for will not come as long as we continue to fail to love one another, inculcate true justice, forgiveness, and above all, tolerate one another.

     

    • Mujeeb Oniyide,

    mujybyte@gmail.com

  • The International day for tolerance

    The International day for tolerance

    “Law alone cannot secure freedom of expression, in order that every man presents his views without penalty, there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire society.” – Anonymous.

    The International day for tolerance is a time for people to learn about recognizing and respecting the rights and beliefs of others. It is also a time of reflection and debates on the negative effects of intolerance globally.

    Live discussions and debates take place across the world focusing on how various forms of injustice, oppression, racism and unfair discrimination have negative impacts on the society.

    Many educators use the theme of today to help students understand issues centered on tolerance, human rights and nonviolence.

    This day can be traced back to the 50th anniversary of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) on November 16 1995. Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

    The Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

    Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

    Driving home the essential values and condiments of the International day for tolerance, it is pertinent that as a people we see the strength in our diversity regardless of the upheaval in various parts of the country; the agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), the Niger Delta militants or even the devilish sect – Boko Haram in the North.

    We share a collective destiny as a people, therefore, let us join hand together and create a congenial country that posterity will be proud of.

    People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.

    This day is an opportunity to speak out on human rights, laws, especially with regard to banning and punishing crimes and discrimination among minorities.

    Finally, today is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and people and this is more important than ever in this era of rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life.

  • Governors preach sacrifice, love, unity, tolerance, others

    Governors preach sacrifice, love, unity, tolerance, others

    Governors have urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep  fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in his message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    Ambode, therefore, called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

     

    Akeredolu, Ahmed, Ugwuanyi greet Muslims

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday felicitated with Muslims over this year’s Sallah celebration.

    Akeredolu advised them that even as they wine and dine during this period, they should not forget to extend their hands of love to the downtrodden in the society.

    The governor asked the Muslim community to also use the celebration to pray for the prosperity of the Sunshine State and the country.

    Kwara State Governor Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has congratulated Muslims on the celebration, urging them to be peaceful, generous, law-abiding and prayerful.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the opportunity by Allah “to enable us witness yet another celebration should be used to pray for peace and unity in the country”.

    Ahmed, who urged Muslims to pray for safe return of pilgrims from the holy land, said Nigerians should be ambassadors of a united and prosperous Nigeria rather than engaging in hate and inciting speeches or fanning embers of disunity.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi felicitated with Muslims on the celebration, urging them to use the period to continue to promote and abide by the core values of Islam for the sustenance of peace, progress and unity.

    Ugwuanyi, in a message, noted that there is every reason for the country to celebrate the goodness of God, pointing out that the continuous engagement of both Christians and Muslims in prayers for the sustainability of the peace, unity and development of the country, has ultimately proved that with God all things are possible.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with Muslims on the celebration.

    In a yesterday, Wike urged Muslims to pray for the unity and peace of the nation as they celebrate.

    The governor called on the Muslim faithful to use the celebration  to re-dedicate themselves  to the ideals of peace, security  and  friendship.

     

    Ajimobi cautions against hate speeches

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi admonished Nigerians to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence of the country.

    In his message to Islamic faithful, he said it was only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the country could achieve the desired greatness.

    Ajimobi, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi layinka, condemned what he called hate speeches and the ember of discord being stoked by ethnic agitators in some parts of the country.

     

    Time to fix Nigeria, says Bello

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration is working hard towards fixing the nation after years of decay and mismanagement.

    Bello urged Nigerians not to allow the zeal and commitment of the present administration to slip away.

    In a message signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr. Jide Orintunsin, the governor stated that the administration will not allow the present opportunities to slip off, adding that all is being put in place towards ensuring that the future generations do not meet a nation of decay and mismanagement.

     

    Umahi seeks unity

    The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi felicitated with Muslim faithful. He urged them to identify unity and religious tolerance as panacea to achieving peace and growth.

    Umahi, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described unity and religious tolerance as sine qua non to achieving cohesion and peace in any country.

    He called on Muslim faithful to preach peace as they celebrate.

     

    Fayose urges sacrifice

     Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday advised Nigerians to be ready to make the necessary sacrifices for the country’s progress.

    In his message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the governor urged the people to imbibe the spirit of love, obedience, sacrifices and sharing that the festival teaches.

    “We must appreciate God for sparing our lives and giving us good health to be part of the celebration of this year’s festival. As we celebrate, we must not forget the lessons we need to learn from the event.

     

    Amosun Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun advised Muslim faithful to demonstrate the virtue of selfless sacrifice as they celebrate this year’s  Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Amosun urged Muslims to live a life that mirror selflessness, love and peace.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, the governor said Muslim brothers and sisters should reflect on the essence of the festival as they celebrate it.

     

    Lalong: pray for Buhari, economy

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong urged Muslim faithful to use the Sallah period for continuous prayers for improve health for President Muhammadu Buhari as well as for the faster recovery of the nation’s economy from recession.

    A message signed by his Director of Press Emmanuel Nanle said: “The governor also expressed delight that with the deepening of the gains of democracy and the consolidation of peace and security by the APC led government, the nation was surely on the threshold of progress.

    “He noted that, as people of faith, Moslem faithful should continue to demonstrate the virtue of love, good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence always.”

  • VC advises students on tolerance, religious harmony

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Benjamin Ozumba has urged students to be tolerant and refrain from divisive religious conducts.

    He said students’good conducts and message of unity could help in overcoming ethno-religious problem plaguing the country.

    Ozumba spoke at a party organised by the UNN chapter of the Muslim Students’ Association of Nigeria (MSSN) to mark its Week.

    The VC praised members of the association for their commitment to religious harmony on the campus, urging them to fight teachings that could lead to disagreement with other faiths.

    He said efforts were being made by his administration to eradicate religious discrimination and ethnicity in the university to promote peace.

    Ozumba said the institution would continue to engage both Christian and Islamic groups to make the campus peaceful, pledging the school’s support for the completion of the UNN Central Mosque before end of his administration.

    Speaking on the theme: General misconceptions about Islam: Redirecting the public perceptions for a symbiotic relationship, Alhaji Abu Sufiyan Ridwanullan Sulaiman, the guest lecturer from Osun State, dismissed the notion that Islam is violent, noting that the religion should not be judged by immoral conducts of a few Muslims.

    Abu Sufiyan said Islam promotes peaceful coexistence among Muslims and adherents of other faiths, adding that the religion detests forced conversion and baseless killing of innocents.

    On marriage, he said Islam permit a capable man to marry two or more wives but that he must be fair to all of them. He said men that are not capable of taking care of two women should not marry two wives.

    Chief Imam of Nsukka Central Mosque, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko, harped on tolerance, noting that religious leaders must speak up against religious discrimination and injustice. This, he said, would promote harmony.

    Highpoint was the presentation of an award to Imam Idoko for his commitment to religious harmony in the state.

    Other activities marking the MSSN Week included members’visit to the Nigerian Prisons Service in Nsukka, and orphanage. The students also held sanitation and prayer for the nation.