Religious leaders from Christian and Muslim communities in Borno State have reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance.
The commitment was made during a one day interfaith summit held in Maiduguri and organised by the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Borno/Yobe District Headquarters.
The summit brought together clerics, faith based organisations and community leaders to promote dialogue, strengthen understanding and foster peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State, and Special Apostle of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Borno/Yobe District Headquarters, Apostle Joshua A. Michael, described the summit as an important platform for promoting peace, understanding and national unity.
He said the discussions were aimed at encouraging mutual respect, love, patience and peaceful coexistence among followers of both religions.
Delivering his lecture, Islamic scholar Sheikh Isa Fezzan described Islam as a religion of peace, compassion and love. He cited the relationship between Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Christians during his lifetime as an example of peaceful engagement and religious tolerance.
Also speaking, former CAN Chairman in Borno State, Rev. Dr. Titus Pona, stressed the importance of peace, moral discipline, patience and respect for others in building a stable and united society.
Sheikh Fezzan and Sheikh Ja’afar Sa’ad Ngamdu jointly presented a paper titled, “Focusing on Peacebuilding, Shared Ethical Values, Social Action and Theological Exchange: An Islamic Perspective.”
Similarly, Rev. Dr. Pona and Rev. Manasseh Bala Gizo presented a Christian perspective on peacebuilding, shared ethical values, social action and theological exchange, highlighting the role of the Church in promoting unity, justice and peaceful living.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of CAN, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Young Muslims and Christians Association of Nigeria (YOMICAN), JIBWIS, the Coalition for Borno Christian Youths, Gidafo Foundation for Humanitarian Services and other organisations.
The speakers urged Nigerians to respect the rights of individuals to practise their religion freely while promoting values that strengthen peace, justice and national unity.
They noted that Borno State had recorded improvements in security and peaceful coexistence, urging religious leaders and their followers to sustain efforts toward maintaining harmony across communities.
Participants also called on citizens to remain law-abiding, avoid actions that could disrupt public peace, promote family values, and demonstrate love, kindness, and understanding regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
In his vote of thanks, Apostle Michael appreciated the participants for their support and stressed the need for people of different faiths and backgrounds to live together peacefully.
He emphasised that humanity should always take precedence over religious and ethnic differences.
