GOV ODODO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RELIGIOUS HARMONY AT EBIRA MUSLIMS PEACE CONFERENCE
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, and mutual coexistence across all communities in the state.
The Governor stated this while addressing participants at the One-Day Peace Conference organised by the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative in Okene.
The conference, themed “Essence of Peace and Unity Among the Muslim Ummah,” was held at the Ohinoyi’s Palace in Okene Local Government Area.
The event brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, youth groups, and key stakeholders from across the state to deliberate on peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility in strengthening societal harmony.
Governor Ododo commended the organisers for creating a platform that reinforces unity within the Muslim Ummah while also promoting tolerance across ethnic and religious divides.
He emphasized that sustainable development cannot thrive in an environment of conflict, noting that Kogi State continues to earn recognition as a model of peaceful coexistence through the efforts of its citizens and the government’s proactive peace-building strategies.
“No society grows in an atmosphere of hatred and division. Peace is the foundation upon which prosperity is built, and unity is the bond that keeps us together as one people,” he said.
The Governor also highlighted the critical roles of government and religious leadership in sustaining long-term peace, stressing that security is not achieved by force alone but through deliberate engagement and inclusive dialogue.
“Our major responsibility is to provide security for our people, and in doing so, unity must be ensured. One of the best ways to guarantee peace is by adopting non-kinetic approaches to resolving issues,” he explained.
“Today, we are here to meet with our people and Islamic leaders to engage constructively on the need to give peace a chance so that our state and our people can continue to enjoy safety and stability.”
Governor Ododo further disclosed that he had held strategic engagements with Islamic scholars across Kogi Central and would extend such consultations to the Western and Eastern senatorial districts, as well as Christian and traditional leaders.
He stressed that inclusive engagement remains key to maintaining peace.
Earlier in his goodwill message, Chairman of the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative Committee, Ustaz Ismail Obosi Suleiman, stressed the importance of unity among various Islamic sects in Ebiraland.
He noted that while disagreements are natural, hostility is a choice, citing Qur’an 3:103: “Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided.”
He called for continuous dialogue, a focus on shared values, and resistance to political manipulation capable of deepening divisions. Suleiman urged religious leaders to model tolerance, uphold authentic Islamic teachings, and dispel misconceptions among followers.
The One-Day Peace Conference ended with a renewed commitment by Islamic scholars, government representatives, and community stakeholders to strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that Kogi State continues to thrive as a united society.
Other dignitaries who spoke on peace and unity included the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the Provost of the National Defence College, Professor Adam Okene Ahmed.
