Ota, Ogun State — September 22, 2025
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ota, commemorated the 2025 World Peace Day with a well-attended interfaith gathering at Maridon Hotel, Ota, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, ACC Adesanya Lawrence, Area Commander of Sango-Ota Area Command, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for his exemplary leadership in strengthening national security. He also commended the Ogun State Commandant, CC Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, MLCJ, IION, for her discipline, commitment, and dedication to peace and safety across the state.
Adesanya stressed that peace is a collective responsibility of government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society, and security agencies. He reminded participants of NSCDC’s mandate: protecting critical national assets, safeguarding lives and property, conflict management, and community relations. “Peace is not a one-day event but a daily commitment,” he noted, urging the audience to live peace, promote peace, and defend peace.
Religious Leaders Call for Tolerance
The interfaith event featured contributions from leaders of Christianity, Islam, and traditional religion.
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Rev. Fr. Otegbola Anthony, Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), emphasized that religion must foster dialogue built on respect, empathy, open-mindedness, and active listening. He urged continuous dialogue to strengthen mutual understanding.
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Oluwo (Dr) Fashola Faniyi Babatunde, Olu Iseise/Araba of Ota Awori Kingdom, stressed that peace is the foundation of community life, respect for elders, and harmony with both nature and the divine. He reminded participants that traditionalists have always coexisted with other religions, even granting land for worship, and called for tolerance and mutual respect.
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Sheikh Sabeeq Ibraheem Aladi, Chief Imam of Ota, stated that religion itself is not the problem but the misuse of it by ideologists seeking followers. Citing the Quran, he urged tolerance, moderation, and kindness towards those of other faiths to foster peaceful coexistence.
Political and Traditional Leaders Weigh In
The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Alh. Wasiu Lawal, FCA, lamented that religion has increasingly been commercialized, leading to divisions. He called for sincerity, tolerance, and godliness, urging religious leaders to desist from “marketing religion as a product.”
Also present, HRM Oba Olabode Victor Taiwo Fagbayi, the Onitigbo of Tigbo, clarified misconceptions about traditional beliefs and appealed for harmony among all faiths. Similarly, ACP Oladele Olushola, Sango-Ota Police Area Commander, emphasized the crucial role of peace in community and national development.
Awards and Recognition
As part of the celebration, special awards were presented to individuals who have demonstrated commitment to peace and community service. Recipients included:
- DSC Abimbola Emmanuel
- DSC Seriki Babatunde
- SC Sherifat Olajumoke Suleiman
- ACP Oluwasholami Oladele, Sango-Ota Police Area Commander
- Engr. Olaife Oluwanishola
The honorees were commended for their dedication to promoting harmony, security, and development within Ado-Odo/Ota and beyond.
Dignitaries and Participants
The event drew wide attendance, including religious leaders, political office holders, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, and residents. Notable attendees included Hon. Wasiu Lawal, HRM Oba Olabode Victor Taiwo Fagbayi, ACP Oladele Olushola, Rev. Fr. Otegbola Anthony, Oluwo (Dr) Fashola Faniyi Babatunde, Sheikh Sabeeq Aladi, Chief Adeniran Ifasola, Chief Fagbemi Sabeeq, alongside representatives of the Nigeria Navy, Police, Immigration, FRSC, TRACE, and other stakeholders.
The celebration concluded with a unified call for tolerance, dialogue, and collective responsibility in sustaining peace across Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
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