By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has urged members of the two main religions in the state to embrace tolerance and peaceful co-existence, saying that it is the only way to guarantee peace and harmony.
He nevertheless assured that his administration will be fair and just to all in respectful of religion, tribe and political affiliation in order to bring about the desired growth and development in the state under his administration’s “new Niger agenda”.
The governor spoke in Minna on Sunday as a special guest of honor at the 114th anniversary thanksgiving, reunion and rebounding ceremony of the First Baptist Church Minna, Niger state.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Mrs. Afiniki Eunice Dauda maintained that there is no limit to the progress that can be achieved if there is religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among the adherence of the two main religions in the state.
Bago assured Christian community in the state that he recognized the fact that Niger State is a secular state and therefore his administration will give the adherence of the two religions an equal opportunity.
He told the congregation that the decision of his administration to bring back the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in Public Schools in the state was borne out of the realization that no religion should be isolated in the state.
While congratulating the leadership and members of the First Baptist Church Minna on the 114th anniversary of the Church which was founded in 1911 by railway workers in the state, said the role of religious institutions in nation building cannot be emphasized.
According to him, Niger Baptist Church is a testimony of God’s grace for attaining 114 years, adding that it has become a beacon of light and hope to many.
The governor called on the church to build stronger interfaith harmony through love, honesty, and service to humanity even as he enjoined Christians in the state to continue to support his administration.
The presiding pastor of the First Baptist Church Minna, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel O. Odadeyi, said the church which was established in August 8th, 1911 has lived up to expectations, adding that “the church did not serve only the spiritual purposes but engaged in community service and nation building, moral upbringing and education”.
While commending the governor for given Christians in the state a sense of belongings, he used the occasion to while announced the endorsement of the governor for second term in office, saying that the governor has demonstrated competence, capacity to give the state a new lease of life.
In the same vein the Christian Youths Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics, Niger state also joined the church in endorsing the governor for 2027, describing his relationship with the Christian community in the state as remarkable.
Earlier the Special Adviser to the governor on media and strategy, Jonathan Vatsa; and the Coordinator, Christian Affairs, Lawrence Mohammed Isa, in their separate remarks, applauded the for his remarkable achievements across all sectors and called on Christians to continue to support his administration.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an outstanding leadership award to the governor in recognition of his commitment and passion towards Christians in the state.