For some years, Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State didn’t witness a peculiar cross-religious gesture by their governors akin to the 2023 Christmas carol visit to a church by Governor Uba Sani which marked an epoch in interfaith and religious tolerance in the state.
Fortunately, Gov has come up with an idea, if well utilised, which will lessen the stereotype and profiling of the diverse people of the state.
Certainly, Sani has unleashed the political will to change the unpleasant religious notion that’s hampering unity and peaceful coexistence within the multi-ethnic and religious setting of the state.
In a gesture of interfaith harmony and solidarity, the governor attended a Christmas carol celebration in a church, breaking down barriers and fostering the spirit of inclusivity. This noteworthy event exemplifies the power of mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities.
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Gov Sani, a Muslim, in his bid to promote tolerance and unity, recognised the importance of sharing in the festivities of other faiths as a means of building bridges and fostering goodwill. Attending the Christmas carol, traditionally associated with Christianity, was a symbolic step towards promoting religious coexistence.
The governor’s presence at the carol, in company of his best friend and political ally, Barr Yusuf Hamisu, aka Mairago, sent a powerful message about the shared values of love, peace and compassion that are central to both Islam and Christianity. It emphasises the idea that despite differing religious practices, there is a common ground where people of various faiths can come together to celebrate and appreciate the richness of their shared humanity.
In a world often marked by religious tensions and misunderstandings, this gesture by the governor serves as a beacon of hope and an example for others to follow. It highlights the importance of recognising and respecting the religious diversity that exists within communities and encourages individuals to celebrate one another’s traditions.
The event not only showcases the leader’s commitment to interfaith dialogue but also provided an opportunity for the Muslim community to engage with their Christian neighbours in a spirit of friendship. By participating in the Christmas carol celebration, Sani actively demonstrated that mutual respect and appreciation can be cultivated through shared experiences and celebrations.
This cross-cultural initiative is a testament to the leader’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive society. It encourages open-mindedness and challenges stereotypes, showcasing that individuals from different religious backgrounds can come together in a spirit of unity during festive occasions.
The state government’s officials at the Christmas carol celebration also serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for harmony and understanding among diverse religious communities.
Furthermore, embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative; it has tangible benefits for communities. A diverse and inclusive community is more resilient, adaptable and better equipped to face the challenges of our rapidly changing world. It creates a sense of belonging for every individual, breaking down barriers and fostering a shared identity that transcends differences.
Therefore, it is high time that the Kaduna State Government introduced a subject in the institutions of learning, whereby a cross-religious subject would be taught in order to create a robust mutual understanding of our differences. This will help in sustaining unity and integration. The initiative will also serve as a breeding ground for building potential religious tolerance experts and interfaith agents.
Whether we like it or not, we must accept Kaduna as multi-ethnic and religious state; that’s how God Almighty predestined this composition. And any attempt to undermine this established rule is like a deliberate action to challenge the will of the Almighty God. Therefore, the inhabitants of the state must learn how to live together with their natural differences as obliged by God.
Kaduna has suffered a series of religious conflicts which severely affected the development of the state.
We should, therefore, bear in mind that our diversity is a wealth bestowed on us by God.
Jabir T Usman wrote from Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, Kaduna.
