The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has urged Christians and Muslims to live together in peace and harmony, and to appreciate the positive differences that exist in their faiths while avoiding unnecessary discrimination and rancour.
The governor made this appeal at the Government House while receiving a delegation comprising the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), members, and leaders of various Christian denominations who paid him an appreciation visit.
Governor Lawal commended the efforts of the CAN Chairman and other Christian leaders for taking the initiative to appreciate the government for its collective efforts in the overall interest of residents in the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, support, and comfort of all Christians in Zamfara State.
It will be recalled that over the past thirty years, a portion of land in the Tudun Wada area of the state was purchased by a church with the intention of constructing a school and a place of worship. However, the local leadership and youths in the area resisted the church’s plan. Several governments came and went without resolving the dispute.
Upon assuming office, Governor Lawal met with the church leadership, CAN officials, and other Christian faithful, and he purchased the land for the construction of public schools in the interest of both Christians and Muslims living in the area.
Governor Lawal urged everyone to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence and to appreciate one another, noting that God is fully aware of the reasons He allowed both faiths to exist in today’s world.
Earlier, the CAN Chairman, Evangelist Jibril Afolabi, and the State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Umoru Emmanuel, expressed appreciation to Governor Lawal for his wisdom in resolving the long-standing dispute, ensuring that all parties were left satisfied.
The clerics described Governor Lawal as a worthy leader who does not discriminate against anyone.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Ambassador of Peace Award to Governor Dauda Lawal by the CAN Chairman and church leaders.
Governor Lawal has been implementing initiatives aimed at promoting peace and development in Zamfara. Recently, he launched the Zamfara State Nutrition 774 Initiative at the council chamber of the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative is a federal government programme designed to tackle malnutrition across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, using community-driven, multi-sectoral approaches to build well-nourished, healthy citizens and improve nutritional outcomes.
Governor Lawal assured that the inauguration of the State Council on Nutrition would spark a transformative plan to strengthen society’s foundation by prioritising the health and well-being of Zamfara’s children.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the national team to support capacity-building for local teams, provide leadership, and supply the resources necessary to ensure the success and sustainability of the 774 Initiative in Zamfara State.
In a related development, the governor emphasised that education is the backbone of every society, noting “Even the instruments we use today exist because of education, which means education is the key to development and must be given top priority,”.
