Date: 2016-12-26

Some traditional rulers in Kwara South Senatorial District on Sunday urged Christians to imbibe the culture of unity, religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

The traditional rulers stated this in their separate Christmas messages in Omu-Aran, Ilofa and Egosi, Kwara.

The traditional rulers are the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Niyi Dada and Oba Daniel Adefila of Egosi kingdom.

Ibitoye said that there was the need for unity, tolerance among different religious followers in order to consolidate on the gains of the nation's democracy.

He said that recent development in the country required every patriotic citizens to refrain from any form of discriminatory tendencies and unite in the struggle for a better nation. "I think we should not allow our differences to overshadow our collective resolve for a better Nigeria.

"Irrespective of our religious or political difference, this is the most sacred period for us to be our brothers' keepers," he said. On his part, Dada urged the citizens to shun any act capable of impeding the growth, progress and development of the country.

He advocated the use of a diplomatic approach towards addressing the incessant clashes involving Fulani herdsmen and some locals and other related crises in the spirit of Christmas celebration.

Dada urged the citizens to take a cue from the genuine principles and ideas of the country's founding fathers in achieving an independent nation.

"Those founding fathers whether late or alive never allowed the issue of ethnic, tribe, religion and political affiliation to deter them from achieving their set goal of gaining independence for the country," he said.

On his part, Adefila urged the nation's politicians to remain united, committed and close ranks in order to rekindle the confidence of the electorates.

He called for tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence among the citizens to assist the leaders in addressing the country's social and economic challenges.

He said: "it is only with the collective support of stakeholders that the desired change envisioned for the country will be achieved."