By Salisu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), felicitates the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the entire Christian community in Nigeria on the occasion of the Association’s 50th anniversary.
The Council said, it considers the 50th anniversary of CAN a significant milestone not only for the Christian community but also for the Nigerian nation.
NSCIA, under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, said, throughout this period, Nigeria has passed through various challenges and difficult moments.
“Through these periods, religious leaders and institutions have continued to play an important role in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the diverse peoples and faith communities of the country.
A statement from the office of the Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, said, NSCIA recognises the importance of the relationship between Muslims and Christians in
Nigeria.
“As CAN marks its golden anniversary, the Council congratulates the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; the National Executive Committee (NEC), the various Christian denominations and Associations under its umbrella as well as Christians across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory”, the Secretary General said.
He said, “Our two communities constitute the overwhelming majority of the Nigerian population and share a common responsibility to promote peace, entrench justice, advance security, contribute to responsible citizenship and the development of our dear country.
It said, the challenges confronting our nation, particularly injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality and the need for accountable and responsive governance, require the collective efforts of all Nigerians. It is in this regard that the NSCIA attaches great importance to sustained inter-faith dialogue and cooperation,the Secretary General added.
The Council particularly appreciates the platforms that have enabled leaders of the two faith communities to engage constructively on issues affecting the peace, unity and development of Nigeria, including the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
The 50th anniversary of CAN is therefore an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of religious leadership in strengthening national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
While wishing the Association greater wisdom in the discharge of its onerous national and sacred responsibilities, the NSCIA said, it believes that religious differences should never be allowed to become source of division, hatred or violence in the country. Rather, our respective faiths should continue to inspire us towards justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.