Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged Christian and Muslim leaders to intensify efforts to promote peace and religious tolerance, warning against the manipulation of youths by politicians for thuggery and violence.
Ododo made the call when he received representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) at the Government House, Lokoja, where he commended the religious bodies for fostering unity and peaceful coexistence across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation for the prayers, counsel and support of religious leaders, attributing the prevailing atmosphere of harmony in the state to their commitment to peace and mutual understanding.
He described the gathering of Christian clerics and Muslim scholars as a demonstration of brotherhood, stressing that religious institutions should serve as instruments of unity rather than division.
Ododo, who absolved religious leaders of responsibility for the state’s challenges, identified selfish political interests and the exploitation of young people for destructive purposes as major threats to peace and stability.
He urged clerics to use their pulpits, sermons and counselling sessions to discourage political thuggery, violence and other activities capable of undermining the state’s security.
The governor also emphasised the importance of prayers and divine guidance in governance, assuring the religious leaders that his administration remained open to their advice and constructive contributions to the development of the state.
He appealed to them to sustain their prayers for the government, security agencies and residents, noting that peace was essential for sustainable development.
Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Kogi indigenes to strategic national positions, particularly in the security and administrative sectors.
He described the Federal Government’s approval for Kogi State to host the forthcoming Nigerian Army Annual Conference as an opportunity to enhance the state’s profile and contribute to national security discussions.
The governor further highlighted key federal and state development initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene highway, the establishment of a special agro-processing zone and plans for an international airport.
According to him, the projects are expected to improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities and strengthen long-term security.
He stressed that sustainable peace required more than security operations, noting that economic empowerment, development and access to legitimate opportunities were equally important in addressing insecurity.
Earlier, the Kogi State CAN Chairman, Adebayo Olaniyan, commended the governor for recognising the contributions of religious leaders and maintaining an open channel of engagement with them.
Olaniyan assured the administration of the association’s continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance.
Similarly, the JNI Chairman in the state, Usman Bello, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the administration and pledged continued prayers for the governor, his government and the peace and progress of Kogi State.