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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Prominent Muslim and Christian leaders have called for greater religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians, so as to strengthen interfaith harmony. The call was made when the religious leaders came together to observe an Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) penultimate Sunday.
The breaking of the Ramadan fast was sponsored by former President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, in his Kaduna residence.
Among the notable personalities present were renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi; chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev Joseph John Hayab; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev Caleb Maaji and Senior Special Adviser to Governor Uba Sani on Christian Matters, Rev Ishaya Adamu Jangado, among other religious and community leaders.
The gathering brought together leaders across faith lines, who emphasised the need for sustained dialogue, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among adherents of different religions in the country.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Gumi described religious harmony as essential for peace and development in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
He noted that Islam encourages peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths and urged Nigerians to resist attempts by divisive elements to exploit religion for conflict.
Also addressing the gathering, Rev. Hayab commended the initiative, describing the joint Iftar as a powerful symbol of unity and understanding between Christians and Muslims.
According to him, interfaith engagements such as the one hosted by Shettima help build trust and reduce suspicion among communities.
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Governor Uba Sani’s Adviser, Rev Jangado reiterated Sani’s administration’s commitment to policies that promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence across the state.
He urged religious leaders to continue playing constructive roles in fostering harmony within their communities.
Also speaking, Kaduna State CAN chairman, Rev Maaji commended Shettima for bringing both faith leaders together to break their fast, urging other leaders to embrace initiatives that will further improve on religious tolerance.
In his remarks, the host, Shettima, said the gathering was deliberately organised to promote unity and demonstrate that people of different faiths can come together in mutual respect and friendship.
Shettima, who is widely considered as one of the strong contenders for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat in 2027 elections, stressed that peace and unity remain critical to the development of Kaduna State and the country.
He noted that political, religious and community leaders must work together to deepen understanding among citizens and prevent the manipulation of religion for political or social division.
Participants at the event described the joint breaking of fast as a practical example of interfaith cooperation and urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, dialogue and shared humanity regardless of religious differences.
The gathering ended with prayers for peace, stability and continued unity in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
