Courtesies,

Assalam Alaikum Waramatullahi Wabarakatu,

I give due reverence, and thanks to the Almighty Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful for giving us the opportunity to witness the end of the 31st National Qur'anic Recitation Competition.

Let me begin by commending the organizers of the 31stNational Qur'anic Recitation Competition for a successful outing.

It is my hope that the unity, harmony, understanding, cooperation and brotherhood displayed during this competition will be sustained.

Furthermore, I rejoice with all the Reciters at this competition for the successful completion of the event. No doubt, the memorization of the Holy Qur'an requires commitment and seriousness. I, therefore, commend your determination to memorize the Holy Qur'an which has enabled you to participate in this very important competition.

Permit me to specially congratulate the winners and recipients of awards of the various categories of the competition for demonstrating exemplary memorization and recitation skills. I urge you not to relent in your study and recitation of the Holy Quran.

Clearly, due to this competition, a lot of interest has been generated in the Quran. This interest will no doubt go a long way in entrenching attention to the teachings of the Quran and the Arabic language.

It will also help in removing suspicion among adherents of all religions and promote understanding.

It is, therefore, important that we continue to encourage the recitation of the Quran beyond this competition, even among non-Muslims.

In addition, we must leverage on emerging technologies such as mobile devices to ensure the Quran is more widely available and accessible. In so doing, we will not only provide a deeper understanding of the Quran and its teachings among Muslims but also educate non-Muslims about the dictates of the Holy Book in a manner capable of redressing misconceptions about Islam and promoting harmony in the general population.

Definitely, we are familiar with the commonly held notion that multi-ethic and religious societies are more susceptible to friction.

However, Kwara state has proved to be the exception as we have continued to live in peace and harmony despite our cultural and religious diversities. Certainly, the spirit of good neighborliness and unity experienced in the state can be traced to our respect and tolerance of each other's beliefs practices, values and aspirations.

I, therefore urge the people of Kwara state and indeed all Nigerians to continue to embrace harmonious living and adopt peaceful resolutions to disputes that may arise during our daily interactions.

Undoubtedly, the use of religion to perpetuate acts of violence is rather unfortunate and ironical given the emphasis placed on peace and justice by both Christianity and Islam.

Thus, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to resist, through peaceful means, those who are bent on misrepresenting religion or fomenting conflict in its name.

As a government focused on sustaining peaceful co-existence, we will continue to ensure peace and harmonious relations based on the principles of justice, fairness and equity in Kwara State.

Also, in keeping with the dictates of the constitution, we will remain committed to equitable distribution of infrastructure, socio-economic programs and political appointments.

No one, and indeed, no community will be excluded from our prosperity on account on their religious or political inclinations.

In conclusion, I urge Kwarans and Nigerians to continue to accommodate other peoples' religious and ethnic affiliations and imbibe the spirit of tolerance.

Once again, I commend the organizers for today's event and congratulate the winners.

I wish you all a safe trip back to your various destinations.

Assalam Aleikum Waramatulah Wabarakatu