Uba Sani Urges Peaceful Coexistence as KSMC Holds Ramadan Lecture in Kaduna

Uba Sani Urges Peaceful Coexistence as KSMC Holds Ramadan Lecture in Kaduna

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna Northwest Nigeria

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called on citizens to continue living in peace and harmony, regardless of their religious or ethnic differences, stressing that unity remains essential for sustainable development.

The governor made the appeal during the Second Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) at its premises in Kaduna. The lecture was themed “Peaceful Coexistence and Patriotism: The Islamic Perspective.”

Represented at the event, by Director General of the Beareau for Religious Affairs (Islamic Matters), Mallam Tahir, Tahir,  Governor Sani emphasized that peaceful coexistence among citizens is critical to maintaining stability and fostering development in the state.

He commended KSMC for organising the lecture and urged residents to support efforts aimed at sustaining the prevailing peace in Kaduna. He also noted that the government has put in place mechanisms to tackle criminal activities capable of disrupting the state’s peace.

Delivering the lecture, the Chief Imam of Al-Mannar Mosque, Sheikh Tukur Adam, highlighted the importance of peace in society, explaining that humanity was created to worship God and that such devotion can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

According to the cleric, conflicts often lead to the destruction of places of worship and prevent people from practicing their faith freely. He cited ongoing global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, where places of worship and communities have been affected by violence.

Sheikh Adam urged Nigerians to embrace unity and patriotism, stressing that since Nigeria is their homeland, citizens must strive to live together peacefully and avoid actions capable of destabilising the country. Instead of cursing leaders or the nation, he advised citizens to become ambassadors of positive change.

The Islamic scholar also called on government authorities to ensure justice by punishing criminals regardless of their social status, noting that failure to hold offenders accountable contributes to rising crime.

He further urged leaders to govern with fairness, justice and the fear of God, while leaving positive legacies for future generations. According to him, peaceful societies are necessary for economic growth, religious practice and social cohesion.

The cleric also tasked religious leaders to deliver responsible messages, stressing that both the Qur’an and other religious teachings promote peace and condemn violence and killings.

He reminded the audience that everyone would account for their actions on the Day of Judgment.

Sheikh Adam advocated the reintroduction of Nigerian history into primary and secondary school curricula, noting that it would help younger generations understand the country’s heritage and the culture of peaceful coexistence that existed in earlier times.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, stressed the need for tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians.

He recalled that Muslims and non-Muslims once lived peacefully together and noted that leaders such as the late Sir Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa achieved great successes through understanding and cooperation.

The monarch urged Nigerians to remain open-minded and maintain cordial relationships to promote peace and development. He also advised religious leaders to intensify efforts in preaching unity and ensure they are well-informed to guide their followers properly.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who chaired the occasion, called on Nigerians to shun hatred and embrace peaceful coexistence. He commended KSMC and its Director-General, Ben Kure, for organising the programme and for promoting unity across religious lines.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Mayaki, emphasized the importance of religious scholars being well educated so they can properly guide their followers.

 He noted that misleading messages sometimes contribute to societal conflicts and pledged continued support for the programme’s sustainability.

Earlier, the Director-General of KSMC, Ben Kure, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting peace and safeguarding national unity. He urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and ensure responsible reporting that does not inflame religious or ethnic tensions.

Kure also commended the media for keeping the public informed and encouraged them to continue promoting messages of peace, stressing that Nigeria remains the only country its citizens share.

Chairperson of the organising committee /Executive Director, Radio Services, KSMC, Hajiya Farida Abubakar, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event.

She appreciated Governor Uba Sani, the Emir of Zazzau, former Governor Ramalan Yero, Sheikh Tukur Adam and other dignitaries for honouring the invitation and contributing to the discourse on peace.

She also thanked members of the organising committee and participating religious organisations for their support in making the programme a success.