By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State chapter of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), has stressed the importance of religious harmony and understanding for peace and peaceful coexistence to thrive in the State.
The Council, therefore, recognized and honoured an Elder Statesman and astute politician in the State, Alhaji Umaru Dahiru (Baraden Bauchi) with an award as a Peace Ambassador in the state.
Chairman of the CCN in Bauchi State, Rev Prof Collins David Agbong, presented the award to the recipient during a courtesy visit to his residence by members of the Council.
Speaking at the occasion, Collins Agbong David stated that Alhaji Umaru Dahiru has played a vital role in promoting peace and fostering harmony among religious believers in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
He further highlighted Dahiru’s commitment to public service during his tenure as Commissioner in the Ministry of Works, noting his contributions to infrastructural development, including the construction of roads, boreholes, and other facilities that continue to benefit the people.
He commended Umaru Dahiru for always standing by the truth and promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the State and beyond.
He also stated that it was those qualities that informed honouring him with the award in order to serve as a morale booster for him to do more as well as encourage others to emulate.
Collins David Agbong stressed that as the oldest Christian body in Nigeria, CCN is engaged in promoting Christian virtues and partnering with other religious bidies, especially the Jama’atul Nasir Islam (JNI) to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The CCN State Chairman then assured that the Council will continue to relate and consult with relevant religious leaders in the State in order to promote peace and peaceful coexistence.
He used the occasion to commend the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for leading an all inclusive administration devoid of religious divide stressing that both Muslims and Christians are having their fair shares of governance.
Also speaking, a member of the CCN, Amb. Jojo Otokpa, described Alhaji Umaru Dahiru as a humble and open-minded individual who has contributed significantly to strengthening peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
In his response, Alhaji Umaru Dahiru expressed appreciation to the CCN for the honour, emphasizing the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of religious differences.
He stressed that there is no need for division or destruction of others’ property in the name of religion.
He also urged religious leaders, particularly pastors, to promote good leadership in Nigeria’s democracy by avoiding partisan politics and preaching unity to their congregations.
On religious harmony, he stressed that religious leaders in the country have the responsibility of ensuring that there was understanding and tolerance among their followers.
He described the recognition by CCN as a surprise to him considering the fact he has been engaged in promotion of religious tolerance over the years without expecting any recognition.
He stressed that looking at the two major religions closely, they both promote peace and peaceful coexistence in all ramifications not leaving out any small space for crisis.
He however lamented that some religious leaders from both sides are using their pulpits to incite their followers to breach the peace, a decent amount he said must be checked by the authorities.
Umaru Dahiru used the occasion to pledge that he will continue to be an advocate of religious tolerance, understanding as well as peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, Bauchi State chapter, Malam Mustapha Baba Ilelah, commended the CCN for the recognition and emphasized the need for continued unity between Muslims and Christians.
He noted that Jesus Christ is revered by both faiths and called for mutual respect among all believers.
The event was also attended by members of the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, who joined the CCN delegation in presenting the award.
Various religious leaders from both sides gave goodwill messages stressing the importance of unity and understanding of each other’s religious beliefs.
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