The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said religion without tolerance is inhumanity saying that tolerance should be a hallmark of religious understanding.
In a release signed by Ministry’s Director Press & Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, the Minister stated this while hosting the National Executive of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.
According to him, religious leaders have a major role to play in fighting radical extremism and that the Ministry was ready to partner with NASFAT in the areas of advocacy, awareness and capacity building.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the fight against radical extremism can be fought both in kinetic and non-kinetic ways. He explained that the non-kinetic approach in particular can be deployed to counter extreme ideology with superior ideology, pointing out that religious leaders have a key role to play in this vein. He emphasised that “religious leaders have a role to play in making sure we hand over the banners of tolerance and harmony to our children without a stain.”
The Minister further explained that for him, he was never attached to the office but rather, his responsibilities towards contributing to good governance pointing out that “it is the responsibilities that make the office worthwhile.”
He acknowledged NASFAT’s profound impact on the lives of humanity, and that is why he passionately identified with the Society.
NASFAT’s Board of Trustees Secretary, Oloye Remi Babalola, who led the delegation in his remarks, said they had come to appreciate the Minister over his commendable services to the nation as he urged him to continue to work hard for the overall success of President Bola Tinubu.
Babalola assured the Minister that NASFAT would be available to partnering with the Ministry, especially in the area of capacity building, advocacy to Custodian centres. He expressed gratitude to the Minister over his support to the Ondo State branch Muslim prayer ground.
