Peaceful co-existence: FCTA steps up drive for interfaith harmony

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up its efforts at promoting peaceful co-existence through improved interfaith harmony amongst Christians and Muslims as well as other stakeholders in the Territory.

This position was reechoed yesterday at the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) Interfaith Forum, with the topic: “Peaceful co-existence and importance of fasting”.

The event which had stakeholders mostly Christians and Muslims leaders and followers, including women groups in attendance, was organised to mark the 2023 Ramadan and Lent Fasting, held at the Community Hall, Arts and Culture, in Garki, Abuja.

In her opening remark, SDS Mandate Secretary, Hajiya Hadiza Kabir, said there was the need for the two- dominant religions in the country to be respected at all levels.

Kabir said the programme during Ramadan and Lent would reorientate the minds of Christians and Muslims on a life style that will make Nigerians more united.

She explained that people of both faiths must understand and practice the teachings of the dominant-religions to deepen peace in the society.

The SDS boss noted that while the Christians observed their fast during the lent preceding the Easter celebrations, the Muslims are also observing theirs before the small salah-ld Filtri.

She also explained that the purpose of the forum is to deepen the thrust of togetherness and as one indivisible people called Nigeria irrespective of one’s tribe, ethnicity or religion.

“Nigeria has always been a secular state, thus the views and ways of life of the two - dominant religions in the country must be respected.

“We have always lived together as one, we marry each other, we attend the same schools, we work in the same place and environment and do so many other things together. Therefore, the need to co-exist and live together cannot be over emphasized”, she reiterated.

One of the speakers, Rev. Father Robert Achiaga, Catholic Priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, noted that people should create a seat for God in their heart, and avoid issues that will ignite crisis.

According to him: “There is a reason that God create us to live together as humans, so we have to respect each one’s religion. No need to have disagreement among ourselves. We must create seat for God in our hearts, to avoid the issues that will divide us.“Pastors and Imams or religious leaders must not only teach their followers the theoretical aspects, but they must practice what they teach, that is the only way to continue to live in peace with people from other faiths”.

Similarly, Faculty member, Coach Halima Transformation Academy (COHATA), Hajiya Fatima Idris, said people of different faiths should always promote peaceful co-existence by abiding by the standard of their religions, as it is critical to the development of any society. She said: “It is the obligation of parents, community and religious leaders to pursue and promote harmonious living in the society, for the sake of the present generation and the future one”.

New and returning members-elect of the House of representatives during Iftar(breaking of fast), organized for members-elect by the Contender for Speakership of the 10th House of Representatives Hon. Jaji in Abuja