Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, has called on Muslims and Christians in Kwara State to continue living in harmony. The emir made this appeal on Saturday during the 85th-anniversary celebration of the First Baptist Church in Surulere, Ilorin.
Represented at the event by the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, the emir praised the unity between the state’s Christian and Muslim communities. He stated that their peaceful coexistence truly embodies Kwara’s reputation as the “State of Harmony.” He added, “Traditional rulers cherish your prayers to God and your collaboration with the Muslims in the state. The unity between the Christians and the Muslims should continue. The Christian religion is peaceful, and adherents should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
Sulu-Gambari acknowledged the current challenges facing the country, particularly economic hardships, and urged both Christians and Muslims to pray for divine intervention. “Though the country is hard, we should continue to pray for the progress and development of Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing the youth, the emir advised them to avoid engaging in negative activities like online fraud, prostitution, and ritual killings. He warned, “The youth should desist from engaging in unholy behavior such as Yahoo-Yahoo, ritual killings, and prostitution. All these are capable of worsening the challenges in the country.”
Reverend Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, delivered a sermon at the event, encouraging Christians to work diligently and devote themselves to true worship. Basing his sermon on Luke 16:19-31 and Acts 12:5-19, he emphasized, “The church is the gate to heaven; we are all pilgrims on this earth. As the First Baptist Church celebrates its 85th anniversary, it should be a place where people truly call on God, and it should be a miracle center where people are set free.”
The church, established in March 1939, marked the occasion by launching an N85 million brochure to raise funds for the purchase of a bus. The event was graced by other dignitaries, including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, who was represented by the Iyalode of Ogbomoso, High Chief Oluwayemisi Ogundare.
