Yobe State Hisbah Commission in collaboration with Multi Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) Yobe PCU, has organised a one day interfaith dialogue with religious leaders, women, and youth.
The programme focused on the imperativeness of peace and reconciliation with the theme; “Exploring shared teachings and values for improving interpersonal and inter-communal relationships between Muslims and Christians.”
LEADERSHIP gathered that the dialogue brings together key stakeholders to promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexisting across religious and community lines.
Speaking to journalists, the commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi
Bego, applauded Governor Mai Mala Buni for maintaining and promoting peace and unity across Yobe State.
Bego, described the programme as timely and impactful especially in today’s climate of rising misinformation and religious misunderstandings.
In his welcome address, the executive chairman of the Yobe State Hisbah Commission, Dr Yahuza Hamza Abubakar, who was represented by the director of alternative dispute resolution, Malam Mohd Bashir Kukuri, called on all participants to use the programme as a tool for constructive dialogue among one another.
Yahuza, emphasized the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and understanding as key elements in fostering lasting peace and reconciliation between communities.
In their remarks chairman and co-chairman of the programme Alhaji Bukar Madu Jumbam, emphasised the need for unity and peaceful coexisting between Muslims and Christians, encouraging the youth to be ambassador of peace and tolerance in their communities.
Bishop Yohanna also quoted the timeless words of Sir Ahmadu Bello during one of his Christmas messages to Christians in the 1960s: “Let us live together in peace and harmony. Let no one feel inferior or unwanted because of his religion. We are all Nigerians before anything else.”
In their goodwill messages, the emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II ibn Umar Elkanemi, represented by Alhaji Mai Sanda Lawan, and the emir of Jajere, Alhaji Mai Hamza ibn Buba Mashio, represented by Alhaji Aliyu A. Buba, and special adviser on security matters, Brig. Gen. Dahiru, Abdussalam represented by Alhaji Bala Abubakar Moh’d, all commended the organisers of the programme for fostering unity, dialogue, and youth empowerment.
