By: Fr. Augustine Adetola

The Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina has said that Muslims and Christians alike must be ready to make sacrifices of love and peace in order to bring about greater blessings to humanity and the our country, Nigeria. He made this remark in his goodwill message released by his secretary on the occasion of the 2020 Eid-el-kabir celebration.

The Catholic Bishop noted that this celebration popularly called “Ileya” is a reminder of the obedience to God of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to offer up his son Isaac for sacrifice at the request of the Almighty. Bishop Francis Adesina reminded everyone, both Muslims and Christians that we too need to emulate the example of Abraham, since we all accept him to be our father in faith.

Furthermore, he noted that although the celebration will not have the usual funfair associated with it due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, he encouraged all to this this year’s celebration as a means of praying more for an end to this current pandemic.

The goodwill message of the Bishop was delivered to the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Alhaji Muftau Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo by the Dean of Ijebu-Ode Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Ajayi in company of Rev. Fr. David-Mary Odunsi, Pa. Sina Okuleye, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Ogayemi and Fr. Augustine Adetola, the Secretary to the Bishop. The Bishop also on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode presented a Ram to the Chief Imam to celebrate the Ileya festival.

The Assistant Secretary of the league of Imam who accepted the gift and letter on behalf of the Chief Imam thanked the Bishop for the great act of felicitations and generosity shown to the Islamic community in Ijebu-Ode. He prayed for more fruitful and peaceful collaborations between Muslims and Christians in the town and indeed the state.