The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed recently astonished his guests - religious leaders under the aegis of Kwara State Committee on religious matter, when he declared pointedly that, “Nigeria is still a work in progress; not a nation as yet”. The clergyman drawn from Islamic and Christianity faith had gone to the government house on a courtesy visit on the first day of Ramadan when Governor Ahmed suddenly turned a preacher.

Though, he read chemistry at the University and was a banker before his foray into politics, the governor left no one present at the occasion in doubt, about his versatility in Islamic education as he delivered his sermon on the need for equality and religious tolerance in the country eloquently.

As if reminding everyone present at the religious affair committee of the prerequisites for even and rapid development and the inevitability of genuine love for one another, irrespective of political or religious affiliations, Ahmed took the floor, preaching peace with such an infectious humility and passion that showed his latent conviction on the Kwara project and how important everyone is in the task of achieving the vision.

“There is no place like Nigeria; Nigeria is our home: and, a home lacking in peace no longer qualifies as home. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic nationalities, a characteristic that should draw us to achieving more and make us stronger as opposed to weakening our national fabrics. Our diversity should be our strength. No matter our religious beliefs, we must live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools”.

“It took the collective will of the Americans more than 300 years to get to where they are today. They had their own problems and challenges, but were able to surmount them all, because everyone shared in one goal - the vision of its founding fathers, which was and remains still today, the making of an America that is great and comfortable, peaceful and loving for everyone; natives and visitors alike,” he noted.

The governor added, “Nigeria is still a work in progress; not a nation as yet. We would have become a nation when someone from the Eastern part, who lives and earns a living in Kwara can contest and win election fairly, to either become a governor in Kwara state or serve the state in any capacity at the state or National Assembly or just in any public office without anyone raising the roof over his place of birth, parent’s background or religious affiliations.

“So also for the man or woman from the Northern, Southern or Western part, achieving same in the opposite direction without qualms. This is the Nigeria of our dreams.”

“Like America, Dubai struggled so very hard, but passion and strong believes in the well-being of everyone and growth of a common economy helped it a great deal. That is why it is important for everyone to strive to make life better for the man or woman next door.”

The governor, in what could appropriately qualify for a re-dedication of self to the Kwara dream, pledged to complete all on-going developmental projects in the state and re-stated his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony, as according to him, it is in the interest of the people to tolerate the different religious views in the state, as nothing meaningful can be achieved in a state of rancour and chaos.

While enjoining the people of the state and Nigerians in general to pray for the unity of the country, Ahmed warned that on no account should any religious interest be placed above the nation’s interest, stressing that a government or institution not build on true love for God and man faces the danger of collapse.

As if he was trying to justify the appellation of Ustaz (a well versed Islamic cleric) given him by some of his admirers, Ahmed further sermonized that, “religion promotes anti-corruption, tolerance, progress, peace and harmony”.

He identified corruption, greed, selfishness and poverty as the major problems inhibiting growth at any level and urged the people to shun the vices.

The governor, who shared an observation made by one of his friends, who traveled far and wide and said in America he saw Muslims without Islam but saw Islam without Muslims in Egypt.

What an absurd contradiction. Egypt we all can testify has been turn to pieces by religion bigotry, while America enjoins peace and harmony probably because of religious tolerance.

Indeed, it was such a soul-searching session that by the time they rose from the meeting, it could be seen form everyone’s face that a new dawn had just begun. The conviction and determination of his listeners was so strong that the people could only chorus ‘Maigida’.