Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has assured residents of unfettered freedom to practice religions of their choice without molestation under his watch.
Fayemi made this known on Wednesday during the foundation laying ceremony of the N32.4 million worth State Secretariat Mosque in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, described the project as crucial to government, saying proximity to a place of worship will help civil servants to focus and become more productive.
” We believe in religious harmony and tolerance. We will continually promote peaceful co-existence among our citizens and respect their rights of association.
“This project represents part of our commitment to development. Our government won’t fail in ensuring the freedom of association of all citizens as long as it is not abused,” he said.
The governor commended Muslim faithful for sustaining peace with people of other faiths, promising that the government would continue to support them.
President General, League of Imams of Alfas, South West Region, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, said the building project under Fayemi showed that the government has respect for religious tolerance.
“We appreciate the governor for his support for Muslims and for approving the construction of the structure within the secretariat. We promised our continued support for his government,”he stated.
President, Ekiti chapter of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Yakubu Sanni, said the project was conceptualised long ago, urging Islam adherents to donate for the project to be completed in record time.
In his brief lecture entitled ‘Importance and reward of building a mosque’, Ustadh Muyideen Abdulsalam said the best reward and blessing anyone could earn is to serve God zealously.