As highlighted by Punch, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has called on the Christian and Muslim communities in Kwara State to continue fostering peaceful coexistence.

The Emir made this appeal during his speech at the 85th anniversary celebration of the First Baptist Church, Surulere, Ilorin, on Saturday. Represented by the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, the Emir praised the unity between the two religious groups, highlighting that their harmonious relationship is a true reflection of Kwara State’s title as the "State of Harmony."

Sulu-Gambari said, “Traditional rulers are enjoying your prayers, which you offer to God, and your cooperation with the Muslims in the state.

“The unity between the Christians and the Muslims should continue. The Christian religion is peaceful, and adherents should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“It is the peaceful coexistence of the people in this state that makes Kwara the State of Harmony.”

The monarch acknowledged the challenges the country is currently facing, including economic hardship, and encouraged both Christians and Muslims to engage in fervent prayers for divine intervention.

“Though the country is hard, we should continue to pray for the progress and development of Nigeria,” he said.

He also charged the youth to stop engaging in online fraud, prostitution, and ritual killings.

“The youth should desist from engaging in unholy behavior such as Yahoo-Yahoo, ritual killings, and prostitution. All these are capable of worsening the challenges in the country,” he counseled.

In his sermon at the event, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Israel Akanji, urged Christians to work hard and dedicate their time to the true worship of God to attain heaven.

Akanji, who based his sermon on Luke 16:19-31 and Acts 12:5-19, said, “The church is the gate to heaven; we are all pilgrims on this earth. As the First Baptist Church celebrates its 85th anniversary, it should be a place where people truly call on God, and it should be a miracle center where people are set free.”

He also commended the people of Kwara for living harmoniously.

The church, founded in March 1939, launched an N85m brochure to raise funds for the purchase of a bus during the anniversary.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, who was represented by the Iyalode of Ogbomoso, High Chief Oluwayemisi Ogundare.