The Kebbi State Government has organised a workshop for religious leaders aimed at promoting peace and security in the state.
Governor Nasir Idris said the state has made progress in achieving stability through the prayers and support of religious leaders.
He made the remarks at a workshop titled “The Role of Ulama and Clergymen in Promoting Purposeful Leadership, Peace and Security in Kebbi State,” organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Birnin Kebbi.
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The governor said his administration has recorded achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture and healthcare and pledged to sustain their efforts.
He also expressed concern over the alleged non-payment of teachers’ entitlements.
He explained that, based on the payment table presented by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other labour unions, the government has implemented 70 per cent of the minimum wage.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu, said religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting good governance and finding lasting solutions to insecurity.
He said 24 religious groups were invited to the workshop and urged Muslim clerics to preach peace and unity among people regardless of tribe.
In their presentations, Sheikh Abbas Jega, Professor Muhammad Abubakar Wali, Khalifa Faruku Usman Mukhtar, Reverend Nuhu Mamman Gudal, Hafiz Imam Yusuf Abubakar Suru and Mallam Ibrahim Isah Sarkin Malaman Gwandu called on religious leaders to continue promoting peace and unity among their followers.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kebbi State, Bishop Ayuba Yafi Kanta, said there is more that unites Christians and Muslims than divides them.
He urged Christian leaders to preach the teachings of the Bible and called on Christians to continue praying for leadership, regardless of their ethnic background.
