by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A combined number of over 50 Christians and Muslims have jointly organized Ramadan Interfaith iftar break aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in Kaduna State.
The event, held at Ungwar Rimi in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna State, was organized by Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC), and Community Peace Observers (CPO).
It was also organized in conjunction with the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), working to promote ethical values on peaceful conducts among the diverse ethnic and religious groups on the need to embrace peace and serve as Ambassadors of Unity in the various localities on the CIPP Program in the State.
According to the coordinator of the Community Peace Action Network (CPAN), of the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna State, Mr. Samson Auta, the aim of coming together is to join their Muslim brothers in Breaking Ramadan fast in Ungwar Rimi community in Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna 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 provides 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.
He stressed that this year’s Ramadan season comes amidst high cost of food stuffs 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’s 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.
She said, they came in large numbers as Christians from other parts of Kaduna to strengthen interreligious and intercultural tolerance and harmony, noting that, both Muslims and Christians at this season are both observing fasting (Lent and Ramadan), hence the need to join hands together towards 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 remarks, Comrade Abubakar Umar Suleiman, who is also one of the Community Peace Observers (CPO), residing in Ungwar Rimi, Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna State where the event took place last night, equally expressed delight and happiness for the large turnout of Christian brothers and sisters that came from faraway place and joined them in breaking the Ramadan Fast as a family.
He called on both Muslims and Christians to always live in peace, irrespective of their tribe, religion cultural and regional differences, in the best interest of peace in Nigeria.
“The group plans to celebrate the Easter celebration together through exchange visitations and sharing of gifts to the less-privileged ones,” he said.
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.
