The Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque Management committee paid a courtesy visit to the executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to discuss how the government can intervene in the maintenance and management of the mosque.
The committee in their discussion with the governor talked on how the Central Mosque which have been playing mother role will be appropriately and adequately maintained as they solicited for the support of the state government in actualising it.
Gov AbdulRazaq reiterated his believe that religion and government are like couple who sometimes have a hard time living together but simply cannot live apart. He said religious institutions and government both need their independence in order to flourish, but history has shown that a complete divorce is healthy for neither. Although they travel differently but not on parallel tracks as they are most successful and most effective when they protect and encourage one another.
AbdulRazaq said his administration is a preacher and advocate of paradigm shift and reorientation of the perspective of the youths in Kwara towards positive engagement but is also conscious of the essential role religious institutions can play in achieving this and as such will protect and maintain healthy religious freedom in the state. He urged all religious leaders to imbibe the culture of teachings that will keep fostering peaceful coexistence, harmony, hospitality and peace now enjoyed in the state as a result of his government’s new approach.
The governor assured the committee of his readiness to support and collaborate with all religious institutions in the state. He assured the committee of his commitment to help in actualising adequate and appropriate maintenance of the mosque and also ready to extend same to others in line with his government believe in the significant roles they will play in nation building.
The committee members that visited the Governor include; Engr. Sayi Moshood; Arc. Sefullah Agege; Imam Gambari; Alh. Shey AbdulGafar; Alh. Mustapha Aluko; Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alh. Bayero Sulyman and Alfa Sakaiama.
Gov AbdulRazaq appreciated the visit of the committee and also commended them on their effort in making the birth of a new and better state hitch free and also ensuring Kwara works for all this time after several years of working only for a few.
