By Ibrahim Bello
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has called on Nigerians to unite in prayers for peace and security in the country.
Idris made the call on Wednesday, in Birnin Kebbi, at a workshop on the role of Clerics in promoting purposeful leadership, peace and security in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in collaboration with the Kebbi State Council of Ulama.
NAN also reports that the one-day programme drew clerics of both faiths from across the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and inclusive development.
“My administration has recorded significant achievements in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, workers’ welfare and support for traditional institutions.
“Specialist hospitals are currently undergoing renovation across the state, while more than 242 Primary Healthcare Centres have been upgraded to improve access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
On education, Idris said the government had awarded scholarships, spent N300 million on school feeding, renovated and constructed over 2,000 schools, and supplied furniture to improve the learning environment.
He added that road projects had been executed in Argungu, Gwandu and Zuru Emirates, while the Ka’oje-Illo road project would soon be awarded.
The governor also said his administration had improved workers’ welfare through the implementation of the new minimum wage, and pledged sustained support for security agencies to strengthen safety across the state.
Idris appealed to religious leaders to intensify prayers for peace and security, describing insecurity as a national challenge that required collective efforts.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Sani Aliyu, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the role of religious leaders in promoting peace, moral values and good governance.
Aliyu said the establishment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs by the present administration marked a major milestone in efforts to curb social vices and promote societal development.
In separate presentations, Sheikh Muhammad Abubakar-Wali and Sheikh Ahmed Usman-Mukhtar called for justice, fairness, prudent leadership and the responsible use of social media by religious leaders.
Also speaking, Christian leaders, including Rev. Nuhu Mamman-Kuda and Rev. Ayuba Kanta, commended the governor for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state.
On his part, scholar Sheikh Abbas Jega urged clerics to uphold justice, sincerity and integrity in the discharge of their religious responsibilities. (NAN)