The Kwara State Chapter of the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity has urged religious leaders in the state to have a re-think on their positions over the use of Hijab in public schools and preach tolerance to their devotees.
In a release signed by its Zonal Capoon, Mr Tunde Dairo, the association noted that there had been harmonious living in Kwara State before now and that the recent crisis was clearly uncalled for.
The association said” “The leaders need to be circumspect in the lessons they are passing to the younger generation of leaders.
“Both religions have contributed towards the education of the mind and soul which makes the recent crisis unnecessary as it doesn't have any bearing on the value of education for our children.
While acknowledging the concerted efforts of the state government towards creating an enabling peaceful society, it observed that there are still more to be done to mend the frosty religious divides.
“We are worried about the state of distrust among Kwarans. It is so obvious that the peace loving people of Kwara State are now divided along religious lines.
“Tolerance has taken a flight among the people as the two major faiths are suspecting one another. The recent upheaval over issues on Hijab wearing in some schools and the ugly incident that occurred after schools were reopened calls for deep introspection retrospection among stakeholders”
“Stakeholders in Kwara State should be cautious not to set the state on fire. The lessons of what is happening in North-East Nigeria should be enough reason for them to preach for peace in Kwara State. They should take conscious efforts to enthrone a just and egalitarian society where no one would be a victim of creed, colour and gender.
“Government should not shy away from its duties to the citizenry by maintaining law and order without fear or favour. The citizenry should also know that the rights of all citizenry must be paramount. We enjoin all to come together and work out an amicable solution to disputes standing against a peaceful coexistence.
The association also commended the state government for taking adequate steps towards fulfilling the demands of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for funding on education in the 2021 budget. However more needs to be done.
“We commend the government on its efforts towards the UNESCO recommended percentage for education. However we will enjoin all stakeholders to work towards ensuring quality education for all and also to monitor the disbursement of funds so that in the end we will have a better generation of Kwarans”, the association said.
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