Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on Muslims and people of other faiths in the state to embrace peaceful coexistence.

Makinde made the call on Wednesday during one of the activities marking the 2021 Mawlud Nabbiyy, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The occasion was held to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

Makinde said that exhibiting peaceful and harmonious coexistence would lead the state and the nation at large to greater heights.

The governor implored Muslims to emulate the peaceful way of life of Prophet Mohammad and follow his legacy.

He said, “I want to plead with our people to embrace Peace. There is nothing for us to gain in an atmosphere of disunity. We must all come together and set aside all forms of differences for the unity of purpose in our dear state. This administration will continue to support residents of the state irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.”

He enjoined the people of the state to continue to live in oneness with one another and also be their brothers’ keepers.

On the request for a declaration of annual public holiday for Mawlud Nabbiyy in the state, the Governor said the request would be attended to at the appropriate time.

In his address at the occasion, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Mojeed Mogbonjubola, urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Mohammad, whom, he said, used all His lifetime to propagate and preach peace.

He further implored residents of the state to join hands with the Makinde-led administration in its efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence.

Also speaking, an Islamic scholar, Sheik Adio Akinlapa, called on the people of all faiths to support Makinde in order to achieve success.

Akinlapa commended the Makinde-led administration for its tolerance with all religious bodies in the state.

Highlights of the celebration were Quranic recitation and special prayer sessions for those at the helms of affairs in the state and the nation at large.