By: Helen Ikpe
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Emenobong, has said religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence are very critical in the development and progress of any society.
Comrade Ini Ememobong stated this, Friday, 7th May, during a courtesy visit by a Non Governmental Organization - Ibom Global Peace Development Association ( IGPDA) at the conference hall of Ministry of Information headquarters, Uyo.
The Information Commissioner who stressed the need for peaceful coexistence and religious harmony among the diverse religious groups in the state urged the association to assist in maintaining the peace that is being enjoyed in Akwa Ibom for some years now.
Represestated by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Inyang Jameson, the Information helmsman stated that, the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration is committed to proactively and jointly working with security personnel to decisively fight and defeat all adversaries that may want to threaten the peaceful coexistence of residents of the state, adding that, the peaceful disposition of government cannot be taken for granted.
The State Information Boss urged the association to encourage their members to be peace abiding citizens as well as respecting one another's religious convictions, beliefs and doctrines, in order to avoid rancour and conflict that will project the image of our dear state negatively.
Comrade Ememobong regretted that, the resources that the Federal Government would have invested in infrastructural development, education, building of roads and other basic amenities have been sunk into fighting banditry, kidnapping, herders/ farmers clashes, abduction of students, and so on.
He lauded the group for keying into Governor Udom Emmanuel's Completion Agenda by choosing a suitable theme "Peace -building: A Veritable Tool for Completion Agenda" for the Ramadan celebration which is also geared towards sustable peace and development of the state.
The National President of Ibom Global Peace Development Association in the State, Mr Friday Usoro, applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for ensuring peace and tranquility in the state and thanked the Information Commissioner for granting them opportunity for the courtesy call.
Mr. Usoro said the Ibom Global Development Association is a Non Governmental Organisation comprising of Akwa Ibom people and members of the Hausa community, disclosing that, their visit was to inform the Commissioner about their up coming celebration to mark the end of Ramadan Fasting, on 13th May, 2021 and intimated that, the event is to celebrate with Muslims in Akwa Ibom for contributing to peace building in the state for some years.
The President said, the aim of the visit is also to solicit for partnership and support from the Ministry to drive their objectives and showcase the group to greater height beyond the state.
He added that their vision is to contribute towards the process of sustaining peace in Akwa Ibom state.
In a vote of thanks, the Director of Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan expressed gratitude to the muslims in the group for defying their Friday Muslim Service to attend the courtesy call, an act she said was highly remarkable and commendable.
Mrs Grace Akpan prayed God to grant the group journeying mercies back even as they strive to join the government in maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom State.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of Impact magazine, a publication of the Ministry to the guests through the National President, Mr. Usoro by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Inyang Jameson.
No comments:
Post a Comment