By Fatmata Jengbe
At the National Stadium on the 6 March 2020 renowned Zimbabwean Islamic Scholar, Mufti Menk, in his message on “Building Bridges”, commended Sierra Leoneans for maintaining religious tolerance.
In his opening address, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, told thousands of people who converged on the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown that the huge turnout at the event was a signal of how religiously tolerant Sierra Leoneans were. He said that the topic “Building Bridges” was in line with his vision to build a peaceful and united nation, adding that his presence was a manifestation of the importance of peace in nation building.
Delivering his sermon, Mufti Menk said that he was thankful to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the welcome and courtesies since his arrival, adding that that was a manifestation of the love of Sierra Leoneans. He said since his arrival he had seen love, peaceful coexistence and respect for other peoples’ faith.
He also used the occasion to commend the Government for the introduction of the monthly cleaning exercise, which was responsible for the clean state of the country, adding that with the level of cleanliness Sierra Leone could be a shining example around the world.
He commended the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, for her efforts in bringing him into the country and for the introduction of the Free Sanitary Pads that would cater for girls and assured that he would use his voice around the world to support the initiative. He also frowned at the misuse of social media and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to use it as a tool to promote peace and development.
Before the his appearance at the stadium the popular Islamic Scholar, Mufti Menk met with President Bio State House on Thursday 5 March 2020 where he was presented by the First Lady Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio who said President Bio had given all the support to ensure the safe arrival the cleric and his delegation into the country and also commended the President for his support to the Islamic cause in the country.
Mufti Menk thanked the people of Sierra Lone for the wonderful welcome accorded him and his delegation, saying that it had been overwhelming. He commended the First Lady for facilitating the move and also noted that his idea was to pray and empower the nation in a way it would project growth and success.
“I firmly believe in ‘Building Bridges’, wherein people of different faiths learn to respect each other and respect their rights to believe in whatever religion they have chosen. We have the ‘Building Bridges’ tour wherein we can educate people to live in harmony and peace no matter their affiliations. We have heard some of the great causes that the President stands for and we hope that we can somehow support some of them by the will of the Almighty Allah,” he said.
In his response, President Bio, on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, welcomed Menk and his delegation. He said that Sierra Leone is proud of its heritage as a religiously tolerant nation, adding that the visit of the popular scholar is a reaffirmation of the country’s level of tolerance.
“We have enjoyed quite a lot of tolerance and we are very proud of it. We want to continue to promote it. So, you are actually helping us do what we are so proud of. We need deep voices like yours to promote positive messages. We have placed priority in investing in human beings so that we can have a solid foundation for development,” he said.
