Religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities in Borno State have reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious tolerance during a one-day interfaith summit held in Maiduguri.
The event, organised by the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Borno/Yobe District Headquarters, brought together clerics, faith-based organisations and community leaders to promote dialogue and strengthen harmony between followers of both religions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State, who is also the Special Apostle of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Borno/Yobe District Headquarters, Apostle Joshua A. Michael, welcomed participants and described the summit as a platform for fostering understanding, peace and national unity.
He introduced the guest speakers, including Islamic scholars Sheikh Isa Fezzan and Sheikh Ja’afar Sa’ad Ngamdu, as well as Christian leaders Rev. Dr. Titus Pona, immediate past Chairman of CAN in Borno State, and Rev. Manasseh Bala Gizo, Vice Chairman of CAN in the state.
According to him, the discussions were designed to encourage mutual respect, love, patience and peaceful coexistence among Christians and Muslims, thereby creating an environment conducive to social and economic development.
Delivering his lecture, 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 respect among people of different faiths.
Rev. Dr. Titus Pona, in his presentation, stressed the importance of peace, moral discipline, patience and respect for one another, noting that these values remain essential for building a stable and united society.
Sheikh Fezzan and Sheikh 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. Bala Gizo delivered a presentation on “Peacebuilding, Shared Ethical Values, Social Action and Theological Exchange: A Christian Perspective,” highlighting the role of the Church in promoting unity, justice and peaceful living.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Young Muslims and Christians Association of Nigeria (YOMICAN), JIBWIS, the Coalition for Borno Christian Youths, Sheikh Ahmed Abdulfatahi II, the Gidafo Foundation for Humanitarian Services led by Sheikh Musa Modibbo Gidado, and the JMN.
The speakers called on Nigerians to uphold the rights of every individual to freely practise their religion while embracing ethical values that promote peace, justice and national cohesion.
They observed that Borno State has continued to witness significant improvements in security and peaceful coexistence, urging religious leaders and their followers to sustain efforts toward strengthening harmony across communities.
Participants also appealed to citizens to avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace, remain law-abiding, promote family values, pray for the nation and demonstrate love, kindness and understanding irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
In his vote of thanks, Apostle Joshua A. Michael appreciated all participants for their support and reaffirmed the need for people of different faiths and backgrounds to live together in peace, stressing that humanity should always take precedence over religious and ethnic divisions.
