A renowned Islamic preacher, Sheikh Quasim Akilapa, has called on Nigerians to promote religious tolerance and harmonious co-existence in the country.

He made the appeal during a Ramadan lecture held at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The lecture, entitled ‘Humanity’ is organized by Chief Joseph Tegbe, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South in the 2023 general elections.

Akilapa said that those promoting religious conflict among Muslims and Christians lack knowledge of the words of God.

“It is a lack of knowledge that will make adherents of Islam and Christianity wage religious war against each other. No one can fight for God,” he said.

He, therefore, admonished religious leaders to preach love, unity, harmony, hard work, and issues that would ensure the growth and development of society.

While noting that defeat and victory were essential parts of life, the Islamic preacher explained that it is not a sin to be defeated, but it would be a sin not to rise again.

“Those who have suffered defeat in the past and were determined to succeed, most often, have always bounced back with the help of God,” he said.

Akilapa told Tegbe and other candidates who lost their election or re-election bids not to lose hope in God.

He counseled them to have strong determination that they would bounce back and win the time.

Akilapa urged Muslims not to return to their bad deeds and habits which they shunned during Ramadan.

Tegbe said that Ramadan was a period to seek forgiveness from Almighty God, saying it is a period when God answers prayers.

“I am a Christian and know there is no family in the South-West without members of both faiths. We co-exist, relate, and celebrate together.

“Ramadan is a holy month. God is holy and He wants his people to worship Him in holiness. We’ve been supporting Muslims during this period.

“This time, we decided to add more to it, hence the lecture organized today. We have people turn out as expected from all zones in the state and Nigeria,” he said.

Tegbe emphasized the importance of religious harmony in the state and Nigeria, saying such will definitely enhance growth and development.