Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams
By Dapo Akinrefon
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Thursday, urged Christians across the country to spread joy and embrace religious tolerance.
Aare Adams made this charge during the 2021 edition of the Christmas Carol, organized by the Office of the Aareonakakanfo, in Lagos.
He reiterated the need for religious tolerance as a panacea for peace and national progress, stressing that Nigeria has lost a lot to religious bigotry and fanatism.
He said: “The idea of religious intolerance and discrimination among Christians can only lead us to nothing but backwardness.
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“For instance, all over the developed countries of the world, religion is never an issue.
“People are judged not by their religious affiliations but by the strength of their characters.
“Over 4.5 billion Christian faithful will celebrate Christmas across the world. That figure explains why the Christmas is unique.”
The Yoruba leader, who said the 2021 Christmas Carol is the 6th edition, noted that the event offered best opportunity for participants to reflect and learn some lessons about the reason for the Christmas Carol.
He said: “We need to be tolarant in all aspects of our lives. Religious intolerance and fanatism are at the root of the various killings we witness daily in this country.
“People must be free to practise whatever belief they subscribe to without fear or favour.
“It is in this that we can appreciate God and also explore the benefits of our population, tribes and the beauty of our race as a people.
“We cannot continue to live in sin and ask the grace of God to abound. We need to show love to others.
“We need to use the season of celebration to show compassion to others. We need to give to the needy.
“We need to make others happy. That is the reason for this festive season, as well as the celebration of both the Christmas and the New Year.”
The event climaxed with the reading of the verses from the Bible as over 10 churches participated with songs of prayers.
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