By DEJI ABDULWAHAB

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has felicitated the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the entire Christian community in Nigeria on the occasion of the association’s 50th anniversary.

This council conveyed the felicitations in a congratulatory message signed by the its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Oloyede said that the council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, considered the 50th anniversary of CAN a significant milestone for the Christian community and for the Nigerian nation.

“Throughout this period, Nigeria has passed through various challenges and difficult moments.

“Through these periods, religious leaders and institutions have continued to play an important role in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the diverse peoples and faith communities of the country,” he said.

The NSCIA scribe said the council recognised the importance of the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.

“Our two communities constitute the overwhelming majority of the Nigerian population and share a common responsibility to promote peace, entrench justice, advance security, contribute to responsible citizenship and the development of our dear country.

“The challenges confronting our nation, particularly injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality and the need for accountable and responsive governance, require the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

“It is in this regard that the NSCIA attaches great importance to sustained inter-faith dialogue and cooperation,” he said

According to him, the council particularly appreciates the platforms that have enabled leaders of the two faith communities to engage constructively on issues affecting the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

“The 50th anniversary of CAN is, therefore, an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of religious leadership in strengthening national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“The NSCIA believes that religious differences should never be allowed to become sources of division, hatred or violence.

“Our respective faiths should continue to inspire us towards justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity,” he said. (NAN)