The Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, has said enhancing collaboration between religious leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations can strengthen faith-based contributions to national development as well as foster inclusive and ethical governance.
The Monarch stated that religious institutions, trusted by communities, are key partners in promoting climate action, social welfare and peace building.
He noted that integrating religious teachings with modern development frameworks helps address poverty, environmental challenges and social inequality.
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In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, he disclosed that the Monarch made the call in Oyo Town, during the official commissioning of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Building and fund raising for the construction of Imam Daud Igi Ogun Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Owoade said fostering unity in diversity, acceptance and understanding should be key features for a country such as Nigeria, which has a rich ethnic and tribal diversity, to counter conflictual division, noting that the camaraderie of Nigerians is tested by the very diversity that defined them.
“It is also pertinent that we need to begin to do away with negative stereotyping of ourselves as Nigerians. While negative stereotypes exist around the world, as a people, we need to come together as a nation and with a single voice on how to salvage our fatherland”.
“In practice, unity in diversity includes accepting both agreement and disagreement; it leads to methods that embrace consensus, while accepting contestations in ways that do not entertain far-reaching, negative stereotypes that develop into enemy images.”
Owoade enjoined wealthy individuals to commit all the resources at their disposals into realising the goals of reaching the hopeless and those whose faith in the saving power of God is ebbing incessantly.
The Monarch stressed that regardless of some people’s opinions, religion still remains one of the fortresses where one can draw succour.
Owoade lauded the Founder and Proprietor of the Islamic Institute, Sheikh Daud Igi- Ogun, for his peaceful and developmental initiatives to his country home, which he said should be emulated by the upcoming generation.
He also commended the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his visionary administration towards improving the socio economic well being of the people of the state.
Governor Adeleke, who commended Alaafin’s bold initiatives towards peace, unity and stability in Yorubaland, described Alaafin as a “Monarch to behold”.
In his address, Sheikh Daud Igi-Ogun, who thanked Allah for the divine wisdom towards the establishment of the institute, said: “Religious education serves as a vital tool for promoting peace, moral integrity, and societal development in the country when taught through rational, universal, and just principles.”
He said positive religious teachings strengthen social bonds, drive community growth, as well as promote honesty and moral soundness to build a healthy, clear conscience rather than a sick one.
