December 29, (THEWILL) – As part of efforts to foster peace and religious tolerance among Nigerians, leaders and members of the Gagi and Kware communities of Sokoto State have hosted Christians in the state for a Christmas feast.
The event was held under the Community Dialogue Committee supported by Global Right, a non-governmental organisation.
Speaking, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, said the event is meant to rejoice and celebrate with the Christian faithful on the occasion of commemorating the birth of Christ.
“This is the one way we can tell the world that we are living in peace with our Christian brothers and sisters in Sokoto State.
“As leaders, we will continue to preach unity and peaceful co-existence as well as discourage any form of hateful speech targeting the Christian world”, Jabbi remarked.
The District Head commended the efforts of the Bishop of Sokoto Catholics Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah and all stakeholders for championing religious tolerance in the state.
According to him, “Years back, it was difficult to see Christians and Muslims gathering like this in the state.”
Also speaking, Rev. Illiya Ibrahim, Pastor in-charge, United Christ of Church in Nigeria, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, and Vice Chairman of Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), said the event signifies unity, love and mutual respect that exists among Sokoto residents.
He underscored the importance of peace in society, adding that “without peace, there will not be any meaningful development in the state.”
Pastor Ayuba Matthew, a member of the committee, commended the dialogue initiative, saying it has helped in addressing issues of gender-based violence in the communities.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
