*Hijrah: Oyetola advocates religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence among citizens*
Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has advocated religious tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence among the citizens of the state.
He said the peaceful co-existence among the religious groups in the state will further strengthen the administration’s resolve to bring about the desired growth and development to the state.
Oyetola spoke on Saturday at the Osogbo city stadium, where Muslim faithful in the state had gathered to commemorate the Islamic New Year Calendar, Hijrah 1441 AH. The event was organised by the Osun State Muslim Community.
The governor called on the residents to key into the pro-people social protection initiatives, policies and programmes of the administration, which he noted are painstakingly designed to engender peace and stability and as well make life abundant for the citizenry.
He implored them to imbibe the lessons of Hijrah by fleeing sinful and malfeasance practices for a new life and conduct that will add value to the state and the country at large.
While urging Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the progress of the state, economic prosperity, stability, peace and continuation of the good governance, Oyetola said, “You are also advised to use the New Year for your spiritual development”.
He further said: “I wish to remind all of you that payment of taxes is your civic responsibility, the revenue that accrues to the state from the Federation Account is not enough for the implementation of our programmes and projects for the well being of the people and the development of the state without supporting it with Internally Generate Revenue (IGR).
“I am, therefore, imploring all taxable adults and business entities in our state to ensure they carry out their civic responsibility by paying the appropriate taxes promptly.
“It is with utmost pleasure that I join the Muslim Community all over the Word today to celebrate the Islamic New Year, Hijra 1441AH. A public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year was declared in our state yesterday (Friday), to enable the Muslim ummah prepare for today”
