By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
To sthrenining Religious tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence for better understanding over 50 Christians and Muslims jointly organized, Ramadan iftar with Interfaith Mediation Center Kaduna.
The event which took place at Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna was organized by Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC), Community Peace Observers (CPO) in conjunction with the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) working to promote ethical values on peaceful conducts among the diverse ethnic and religious group on the need to embrace Peace and by serving as Ambassadors of Unity in our various localities on the CIPP Program in the State.
According to Mr, Samson Auta, the coordinator of the Community Peace Action Network (CPAN), of the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) Kaduna State, stated that the aim of coming together is to join our Muslims brothers in Breaking Ramadan fast in Unguwar Rimi community in Kaduna North local government area.
The gathering was also to emphasize on the importance of strengthening peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among the adherence of different faith groups and organizations in the State.
It gathered that top Islamic and Christian Scholars, women organizations, youth groups and traditional titled holders and security personnel attended the occasion.
Mr Samson said, the Ramadan – Iftar provide a golden opportunity for self reflection, devotion to the maker of all mankind and serve as a means for both Christians and Muslims to interact, dialogue and exchange goodwill messages of Peace and unity in the country.
While stressing that this year’s Ramadan season comes amidst high cost of food stuff’s in the markets, general scarcity of naira notes and climatic warm conditions due to climate change related phenomenon.
He expressed happiness over the just concluded 2023 general elections in the State, which shows people aspiration towards peace and in promoting peaceful conducts before, during and after the elections; he further appealed to the teaming youth groups in Kaduna State and across the country to shun all forms of violence and embrace Peace as a sustaining factor for development.
Similarly, Mrs Catherine John Amangs who is the Secretary of the group working on early warning and early response on the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP), known as the Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC), said that they came to join their brothers and sisters for the breaking the Ramadan with the aim of strengthening Christians-Muslims relationship in Kaduna State and the country as a whole.
She said, they came in large number as Christians from other part of Kaduna to strengthen interreligious and intercultural tolerance and harmony.
She note that both Muslims and Christians at this season are both observing Fasting, “Lent and Ramadan” hence the need to join hands together toward praying for peace and stability in the country.
During the get-together event, different varieties of delicacies and drinks were distributed to all during the Iftar.
In his remark, Comrade Abubakar Umar Suleiman who is also one of the community peace Observer (CPO), residing in Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna North local government, were the event took place last night.
He equally expressed delight and happiness for the large number of Christians brothers and sisters that came from far away place towards joining them in breaking the Ramadan Fast as a family.
He called on both Muslims and Christians to always live in peace; irrespective of our tribe, religion cultural and regional differences in the best interest of peace in Nigeria.
The group plan to celebrate the Easter celebration together through exchange visitations and sharing of gift to the less privilege ones.
Meanwhile the network of Peace Journalists that also attended the event called on the adherence of different faith groups and organizations in the country to embrace peace and harmony for the peace and stability in the country.