It’s time for religious groups to unite for Nigeria’s unity – Gov. Idris
It’s time for religious groups to unite for Nigeria’s unity – Gov. Idris
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, has urged religious groups in Nigeria to keep aside their differences and come together for the unity and progress of the country.
Gov. Idris said this in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday at the Kebbi Muslim Unity Convention on Responsible Leadership and Patriotism.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the convention was organised by the State Ministry for Religious Affairs.
“It’s high time for religious groups to do away with their differences and come together for the unity and progress of this country,” he advocated.
The governor said that his administration initiated policies and programmes meant for the creation of sundry job opportunities for the youths of the state.
“To actualise and bolster the policies and programmes, I also directed members of the State House of Assembly to prioritise the establishment of skill acquisition centres for our youths.
“This is for them to be, not only self-reliant, but employers of labour,” he said.
On job creation, Idris said that his administration had recruited 2,000 teachers, absorbed 319 casual health workers into the state civil service, recruited 2,800 new health workers and 70 lawyers.
“We have done all that so as to ease the scourge of hardship, idleness and economic challenges faced by the youths and their families.
“Most of these newly recruited employees are all graduates from their various fields of endeavour, who have gotten tertiary education through scholarship by the state government,” he noted.
The governor commended the organisers of the event and announced a donation of N30 million, and N10 million from Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Sani Aliyu, acknowledged the contributions of Gov. Idris in the promotion of religious harmony, coexistence and progress in the state.
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“In retrospect, we have been praying for the establishment of religious affairs’ ministry for decades in the state.
“When Gov. Idris emerged victorious in the 2023 general elections, part of his first policy priorities and entrenchments was the establishment of the state ministry for religious affairs.
“Also, now we have the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KPWA), to meet the expectations and aspirations of Muslim, who have means of going to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage,” he said.
Aliyu said that the contributions of the governor towards religious values and entities transcended Islamic religion.
On his part, Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, the Imam of Abuja National Mosque, commended the governor for his efforts in promoting religious harmony, coexistence and unity in the state.
“We are in a situation where the Muslim community ought to be united, setting aside all issues that cause division among us, for the benefit of our state and our country.
“We are grateful to those who organised this gathering for the progress of ourselves, our state, and the entire nation,” Maqari said.
