By RhemDy News
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has commended the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its continued roles in advancing national development.
Oba Owoade also stressed the importance of theological education in fostering understanding, dialogue, and effective responses to societal challenges.
He called for urgent enforcement of theological education integration with peace-building efforts, noting that theological institutions must not only teach but also lead in the pursuit of reconciliation.
According to a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin gave the commendation on Tuesday when the new President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr.) David Olusola Idowu, led other members of the executives on a courtesy visit to the Oyo Palace.
The monarch lauded the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to promoting dialogue, leadership empowerment, and breaking barriers that divide communities of faith.
"The Baptist Convention must also be commended for fostering national stability and development, providing essential educational and healthcare infrastructures, promoting peaceful interfaith coexistence, as well as running poverty-alleviation and vocational training programmes that empower marginalised communities across the country," Oba Owoade stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the NBC over its conflict resolution model with local churches involvement and facilitating dialogue through self-understanding in conflict transformation in the Northern part of the country.
"Interreligious or interfaith dialogue is unarguably significant for enabling religious leaders and communities to work together towards a common goal, fostering trust and solidarity, and enhancing the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts.
"It enables individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to engage in constructive conversations, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance.
"Interfaith dialogue can be a means to address religious crises by promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation", Alaafin asserted.
Earlier, NBC President Rev. (Dr.) Idowu, said the delegation was at the Palace to pay homage to the paramount ruler, pray for him, and inform him that his 'son' has emerged as the new president of the Convention along with the executives.
The clergy added that they were also there to seek synergy with the Palace for the good of all and to invite the Alaafin to his induction programme scheduled for the month of September.
Idowu later prayed for divine guidance, long life and good health for the Alaafin, his family and the entire workforce.
No comments:
Post a Comment