The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up its efforts to promote peace and unity among religious groups in the territory.
Speaking during an inter-faith forum organised by FCT Social Development Secretariat, the mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Hadiza Mohammed Kabir said there was a need for both Muslims and Christians to respect each other’s religious beliefs.
She noted that the programme tagged ‘Peaceful Co-Existence And Importance Of Fasting,‘ during Ramadan and Lent would re-orientate the minds of Christians and Muslims on a lifestyle that would make Nigerians more united adding that people of both faiths must understand and practice the teachings of their religions.
She said: “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.”
One of the speakers and a Catholic priest with the Archdiocese of Abuja, Reverend Robert Achiaga, said people should create a seat for God in their hearts, and avoid issues that will ignite crisis.
“There is a reason that God creates us to live together as humans, so we have to respect each one’s religion. No need to have disagreements 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.“
For Fatima Idris, a Faculty member of Coach Halima Transformation Academy (COHATA), 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.
“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,“ she added.
PIAK
