By Bukola Hameed
Nigerians have been advised to cement the unity of the nation through cooperation and tolerance for one another.
An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold gave the advice while delivering the 2021 annual Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Central Mosque, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.
Sheik Akeugbagold urged Nigerians to take cue from united efforts of honeybees and termites, which make arduous task easier for them to foster unity in Nigeria.
The Islamic scholar called on intellectuals and leaders to prevail on agitators of secession to avert disintegration and its accompanying chaos.
Sheikh Akeugbagold, who enjoined politicians against ethnicity and nepotism, stressed that justice, equality and fairness are antidotes to disunity.
Sheikh Akewugbagold futher called on government at all levels to be focus and just in their dealings with the citizenry for the progress of the country.
He advised government to take seriously the issue of youths empowerment in the country.
“Another problem of the country is youths unemployment, Government must address the issue of youths unemployment, train them and empower them for them to be self sustenance.
“Government must put the interest of the masses at heart and give them their dues without being sentimental,” he said.
Sheikh Akewugbagold called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to rescind his decision on the planned demolition of the staff quarters of the state Broadcasting Corporation (BCOS) as such monument should be preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Chairman on the occasion and Arole Iba Oluyole, Alhaji Nureni Akanbi called on journalists to be truthful and unbiased in their reportage to reduce tension and ensure peaceful nation.
Earlier, the Chairman, MMPN, Oyo state, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi noted that the call for secession is an ill wind that blows no one any good, pointing out that the topic of the lecture “Fanning the Ember of Disunity: Islam to the Rescue ” was to proffer Islamic solutions to the scourge.
In a goodwill message, the Acting Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi, represented by the Assistant Director Procurement, Mr. Mutahir Akanni urged Nigerians to be law abiding, especially on Covid-19 preventive measures.
The programme, which featured presentation of awards to three distinguished Muslims, the immediate past Zonal Director, FRCN, Ibadan, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, the CEO Bolade Travels, Alhaja Sidiqat Aderibigbe and a posthumous award to the late Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun had in attendance dignitaries including the General Manager, Premier FM 93.5, Alhaji Bashir Omotoso and the Special Adviser to Oyo state Governor on Economic Matter, Professor Musibaudeen Babatunde.