Former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), has described former Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, as a symbol of national unity and religious tolerance following the commissioning of a renovated Juma’at Mosque at Police Secondary School, Minna, Niger State.

The event, which attracted senior police officers, traditional rulers, government officials, old students, religious leaders and members of the public, marked another milestone in Okiro’s continuing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony in Nigeria.

The mosque project, executed through the Sir Mike Okiro Foundation, included the renovation and completion of the worship centre as well as the construction of an ablution facility for Muslim students and staff of the school.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Okiro said the decision to undertake the project was driven by his belief that religion should unite rather than divide Nigerians.

According to him, “When I saw that our Muslim brothers and sisters in this school had nowhere decent to pray during school hours, my conscience would not let me walk away. We may belong to different faiths, but we all serve the same God.”

He emphasized that faith must be reflected through compassion, understanding and service to humanity, stressing that no student should feel excluded because of religious belief.

“This mosque is more than a building. It is a message of inclusion, tolerance and unity. We must never allow hatred or suspicion to define our relationship with one another,” he added.

Okiro also urged students across all religious backgrounds to embrace peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, noting that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than conflict.

He recalled that he had earlier built and donated a Catholic chaplaincy within the same school, explaining that both projects were aimed at deepening religious harmony and strengthening moral values among students.

Shortly after the commissioning, Okiro and members of his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), at his Hilltop residence in Minna, where Babangida commended him for sustaining peace-building initiatives even after leaving public office.

Babangida described Okiro as a patriotic Nigerian whose commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence remains exemplary.

“He served Nigeria meritoriously and continues to distinguish himself as a promoter of peace, security and unity across ethnic and religious lines,” Babangida said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, praised Okiro for demonstrating uncommon leadership and commitment to humanity through actions that bridge religious divides and encourage national integration.

In recognition of his contributions to peace, religious tolerance and national development, the Emir formally conferred on Sir Mike Mbama Okiro the revered traditional title of SARKIN-HASKE of Niger State.

The Inspector-General of Police, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, described Okiro as a respected statesman and father figure whose legacy continues to inspire both serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Also speaking, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance, unity and mutual respect irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

The Commandant of Police Secondary School, Minna, Haruna Ibrahim, thanked Okiro for the intervention, describing the mosque project as a practical demonstration of faith, leadership and compassion.

The event featured inspection of guards, cultural displays, symbolic robing by the Emir of Minna, goodwill messages from dignitaries, and special appearances by members of the Northern Youths and Elders Awareness Forum in Support of Mike Okiro Foundation.

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