Christian leaders and a well-known Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi convened in Kaduna on Sunday for a unity Iftar, in a stirring display of interfaith cooperation.
The ceremony, which was hosted by Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, brought people of both religions together to break the Ramadan fast, emphasizing a common dedication to peace at a time when Christians are also observing the Lenten season.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Gumi emphasized that the fundamental lessons of Ramadan extend beyond personal purity to the promotion of peaceful coexistence among all citizens.
He noted that the initiative proves that mutual understanding remains a viable path for the country. Regarding the national security climate, the cleric observed that while challenges persist, the frequency and scale of violent attacks have significantly declined compared to previous years, noting a reduction in the high-profile bombings that once affected cities of Kaduna and Abuja.
The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, lauded the event as a vital step toward restoring the region’s traditional fabric of interfaith tolerance.
He reflected on how previous generations naturally integrated their social and cultural lives across religious lines before influences introduced modern discord.
Reverend Hayab stressed that consistent interaction between the two faiths is essential to debunking the belief among the youth that harmonious relations between Christians and Muslims are unattainable.
Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, the event’s host, stated that the initiative was designed to dismantle the barriers of religious and ethnic segmentation that have historically hindered national development.
He urged citizens and leadership to prioritize collective efforts to stabilize the country, arguing that unity is the primary prerequisite for national progress.
Caleb Ma’aji, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, added that the rare overlap of Ramadan and Lent provides a unique moment for spiritual reflection on shared values.
He characterized the event as a celebration of humanity and a necessary mechanism for rebuilding trust in a region that has often been defined by narratives of conflict.