Oyebanji Holds Iftar For Muslims Leaders, Hails Religious Harmony In Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the Muslim community in the State for their unalloyed support for his administration as well as their demonstrated commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence with adherents of other faiths.

The Governor said the support of the Muslims has been a major tonic driving development in the State, adding that peaceful coexistence among the citizens remains a viable platform upon which real development is built.

The Governor, made these assertions on Monday during the Iftar (breaking of fast) he hosted for Muslim leaders across the 16 local government areas of the State at the Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Governor Oyebanji, who also called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted that the various achievements of his administration was made possible because of the support he received from the President, stressing that President Tinubu has fulfilled all the promises he made to the State during the electioneering campaign in 2022.

While thanking the President for giving provisional approval for the construction of Itawure- Aramoko -Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the road is capable of improving the socio-economic development of the State as well as serve as impetus for electoral victory in the June 20 Governorship election and the January 2027 presidential election.

He added that the contractors handling the project have promised to move to site in the next two weeks.

Governor Oyebanji at the event, spoke glowingly about the excellent performance of the Muslims serving in his government, stressing that he would cede more appointive positions to members of the Muslim community if re-elected for a second term.

“There is no doubting the fact that the support from the Muslim community is unadulterated. I know you love us genuinely. I promise to continue to do more for you because all the Muslims in my government are doing creditably well from the Secretary to the State Government and that is the reason it is possible for us to be counting fifty-one of them.

“Every achievement in Ekiti is due to the support of President Tinubu, please, as you are praying for me, pray more for the President because when he came here for campaign, he made some promises. He has fulfilled all the promises he made, even the one I thought may be impossible before election, that Itawure – Aramoko- Ado road, I am glad to say that the contractor received provisional letter of award two weeks ago to commence work pending the ratification by Federal Executive Council. The contractor has promised to move to site immediately after the Ramadan to commence work.” He said.

Presenting the Iftar lecture, the Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Ado Ekiti, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulmutali, called on Muslims to live their lives in the fear of God by doing what is right all the time, stressing that that is the only way they could receive heavenly reward.

The President-General, League of Imams and Alfas for South West, Edo and Delta states, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who prayed for the State, the Governor and President Tinubu, hailed the two leaders for creating atmosphere of peace and shared prosperity.

Also present at the programme were former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Muslims members of the state House of Assembly and Executive Council, representatives of Muslim community from the sixteen local government areas among others.