Ramadan Lecture: Islamic cleric preaches religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Buhari Musa, popularly known as Buhari Omo Musa, has called on citizens to embrace religious tolerance and live peacefully with one another.

Musa made the call while speaking at a Ramadan lecture held at Coco Samba Industry, Torotoro Quarters, Ibafo in Ogun.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the lecture,the maiden edition,was organised by Mr Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in the March 18 election in the state.

NAN also reports that Oguntoyinbo, who sponsored the programme through his NGO, Ajadi Movement, also inaugurated multi-million naira musical equipment for use of up and coming musicians at subsidised rate.

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The cleric said that though there might be some differences between the Islamic and the Christian doctrines, the end lesson was that adherents of both faiths pray and worship the same God.

He ,therefore ,said that there was the need for Muslim and Christian faithful to tolerate one another and be their brother’s keeper.

Musa expressed the regret that some citizens had allowed their relationship with others to be defined by religion,,saying that was not in the best interest of the country .

The Islamic cleric urged Nigerians to continue to pray for love, and unity,which he said,were missing in the country at present.

He appealed to political leaders in the country at various levels as well, to keep working for continued peace, unity and progress of the country, saying it was difficult leading a country without peace or unity.

Oguntoyinbo, also the Managing Director, of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, said he organised the lecture to demonstrate leadership trait devoid of religious sentiments.

The politician , a Christian,, said that he had lived most of his life amidst Muslims to the extent that the love shown him made him learn Arabic.

“But of recent, we have factions within the various religious groups. We should not allow religion to disintegrate us, instead of uniting us.

“Religion should not be an instrument of disintegration, but of harmony and peace. Religion is given to man by God for our edification and not otherwise.

“We really need to pray for our dear country. Years back, this country was not like this. Now people use religion for personal or political gains. This is dangerous and sad,” he said.

Oguntoyinbo said he lived with Muslims while growing up and that he and his neighbours never saw differences in both religions.

“We were together and played together. Your best friend could be a Christian if you are a Muslim, or Muslim if you are a Christian.

“Even, we have faithful of both religions as members of same family, so we need to tolerate each other for the betterment of this entity called Nigeria,” he said.

Among notable politicians at the event were, South-West NNPP Public Relations Officer,Mr Kilamuwaye Badmus and the state NNPP Public Relations Officer, Mr Olowu Olayemi.

Some of the Islamic musical artistes and present were, Sodiq Adewunmi, Alhaji Saoty Arewa, Alhaja Misturah Aderonmu, Femo Lancaster, Fila King, Tope Indomie, Ogo Agbaye, Malik Okiki, and Irawo Omoluabi.(NAN)