By Hassan Hussain
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as an opportunity to strengthen interfaith relations and promote national unity.
The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, says religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting peace, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the NSCIA stressed that Muslims and Christians, who constitute the majority of the country’s population, share a collective responsibility to promote justice, security, responsible citizenship and national development.
The Council identified insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality and the need for accountable governance as challenges requiring the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
It also emphasised the importance of sustained interfaith dialogue and cooperation, particularly through platforms such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), to address issues affecting the peace, unity and development of the country.
The NSCIA maintained that religious differences should not be allowed to fuel division, hatred or violence, but should instead inspire justice, compassion and service to humanity.
As CAN celebrates its golden jubilee, the Council congratulated its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the National Executive Committee, Christian denominations and associations under its umbrella, as well as Christians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It wished the Association greater wisdom in the discharge of its national and religious responsibilities.
