From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
In a bid to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Muslim religious and traditional leaders attended a special worship service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Lemu Road in Kaduna South local government area of Kaduna State.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of reflection and mutual respect as leaders underscored the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amidst diversity.
Senior Pastor of ECWA Gospel Church, Rev. Joshua Nda Anyam, emphasized the importance of maintaining open doors of interaction to douse tensions and build bridges of trust, understanding, and respect among people of different faiths.
He cited Matthew 7:12, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,” as a guiding principle for interactions.
Rev. Anyam condemned those who exploit religious differences for selfish interests, warning that such actions undermine the fragile peace enjoyed by communities.
He also called for joint condemnation of acts of desecration against religious scriptures, including the Glorious Quran and the Holy Bible.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by Mr. Ayokunle Adebayo, commended the church for promoting understanding and co-existence.
He noted that the gathering sends a powerful message that faith should unite people, not divide them.
Other speakers, including Kaduna State Deputy Speaker Hon. Henry Magaji Danjuma and Rev. (Dr. Yunusa Nmadu, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
The Hakimi of Tudun Wada and the Chief Imam of Tudun Wada also underscored the need for unity and mutual respect.
The worship service highlighted the critical role of faith communities in fostering peaceful coexistence and reiterated a shared commitment to unity in Kaduna State and beyond.