By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Catholic Media Practitioners of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Kaduna Chapter, in collaboration with the Mu...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Catholic Media Practitioners of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Kaduna Chapter, in collaboration with the Muslim Journalists League, hosted an interfaith breakfast meeting on Friday to mark the breaking of the Lenten and Ramadan fasts in Kaduna.
The event brought together key religious and media figures, including the Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; the Chief Imam of Udawa Mosque, Imam Ilyasu Hussain; Pastor Yohanna Buru; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Chapter, among others.
Speaking at the gathering, Archbishop Ndagoso commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of media practitioners from different faiths coming together in solidarity. He noted the significance of this year's religious observances coinciding, with Lent and Ramadan beginning just days apart.
"This gathering is an opportunity for us, as journalists, to interact, share, and strengthen our commitment to promoting peace and unity. Our role in society is crucial, and we must use our platforms to bring people together rather than divide them," he said.
He further referenced Pope Francis’s message on the importance of fraternity and dialogue, urging journalists to use their influence to foster understanding among different religious and ethnic groups.
"We live in a world in need of solidarity. Through our fasts, God reminds us of our shared humanity, and that is what we are demonstrating here today as Muslim and Christian journalists," he added.
Similarly, Chief Imam Ilyasu Hussain applauded the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening relationships between Christian and Muslim journalists.
"I have personally benefited from my close relationships with Christian colleagues over the years. This kind of gathering helps to build trust and understanding, and I pray that it continues for the good of our state and nation," he stated.
Pastor Yohanna Buru also praised Archbishop Ndagoso for fostering interfaith harmony through such initiatives, noting that he has been a consistent advocate for peace in Kaduna for over a decade.
Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, commended the program, describing it as a much-needed platform for fostering religious tolerance. He acknowledged the state's history of religious conflicts but expressed optimism that such initiatives would help prevent future crises.
"Our past may have been marked by religious divisions, but we have learned from those experiences. This event is a testament to the fact that peace is possible when we engage in dialogue and mutual respect," he said.
Chairman of the Muslim Journalists League, Mallam Jafaru Yakubu, expressed gratitude to CAMPAN for extending the invitation to Muslim journalists, stressing the need for collaboration among media professionals.
"As journalists, we may hold different religious beliefs, but we share a common responsibility to promote peace and stability through ethical and professional reporting. Events like this help reinforce our shared commitment to that goal," he noted.
He called for greater synergy among journalists and urged media practitioners to respect both faiths in their work, advocating for the annual expansion of the interfaith program.
Earlier, the Chairman of CAMPAN Kaduna Archdiocese, Mr. Nicholas Dekera, explained that the annual interfaith fast-breaking initiative was designed to enhance cooperation and unity between media practitioners of both major religions.
Veteran journalist Elder Tajuddeen Ajibade Tijjani lauded the program as a step toward addressing long-standing religious tensions.
"If we, as people of faith, can live in peace, then our state and country will also enjoy peace. This initiative is a practical way to foster unity, and I hope it will be sustained for years to come," he said.
The interfaith breakfast meeting concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and the well-being of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
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