The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar the third, has commended the high level of inter-religious harmony in Kogi State with a call on Nigerians to emulate citizens of the state.
The Sultan who gave the commendation when he inaugurated a 1, 800 capacity Anyigba Central Mosque built by former Governor, Ibrahim Idris, said Nigeria’s stability is tied to religious harmony.
With Nigerians divided across religious lines, the Sultan of Sokoto was excited that Catholic Priests attended the commissioning of the mosque saying such moves should be emulated by Nigerians.
Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, Most Revered Anthony Adaji, who was represented by the diocesan Director of Communications, Rev. Father Anthony Okoliko, was worried about inciting homilies from some clergies in Nigeria.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Ozigi, commended the former Governor, Ibrahim Idris, for his contribution to the state.
On his part, Idris said his decision to build religious houses for God was informed by Allah’s mercies to his family.
The Sultan, who led the Asr prayer in the newly built mosque, also received six Christian faithful into the Islamic fold and officiated the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of the Chief Imam of the newly built mosque.