CAN At 50: NSCIA Urges Muslims, Christians To Unite Against Insecurity

Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has congratulated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on its 50th anniversary.

It called for stronger interfaith cooperation to address insecurity, poverty, injustice and other challenges facing the country.

The council, led by its president-general and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described CAN’s golden jubilee as a significant milestone for both the Christian community and Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message yesterday and signed by its secretary-general, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, NSCIA said religious leaders and institutions had continued to play important roles in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence despite the challenges confronting the country.

It stressed that Muslims and Christians, who constitute the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population, shared a common responsibility to promote peace, strengthen justice and security, encourage responsible citizenship and contribute to national development.

The council said the country’s challenges, particularly injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and social inequality, required collective efforts from all Nigerians.

It also called for accountable and responsive governance to address the issues affecting the country.

The statement read, “It is in this regard that the NSCIA attaches great importance to sustained interfaith dialogue and cooperation.”

The Council commended platforms that had enabled leaders of the two faith communities to engage constructively on matters affecting Nigeria’s peace, unity and development, particularly the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

It said CAN’s 50th anniversary provided an opportunity for religious leaders to reflect on their responsibilities in strengthening national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

According to the NSCIA, religious differences should not be allowed to fuel division, hatred or violence, but should inspire justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

The Council congratulated CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; members of the National Executive Committee; Christian denominations and associations under the organisation; and Christians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It also wished the association greater wisdom in carrying out what it described as its important national and sacred responsibilities.

The NSCIA reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between Muslims and Christians in tackling national challenges and advancing peace and development.