By Amos Tauna
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has stressed the need for national integration and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria for the overall development of the country.
He made the call in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria on Monday night, after the traditional breaking of fast alongside other prominent Christian leaders at the resident of top Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi in Kaduna charging Christians and Muslims to see each others as equal before their creator.
Dalong explained that for the past five years, he and other Christians had always visited Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, his family and friends to Iftar (breaking of fast), where they share their meal and jokes together building mutual trust and love.
He said that not only Nigeria, but other religiously or ethnic troubled parts of the world can learn from this experience and let the entire earth be lit up by love.
Dalung also used the opportunity to remind Nigerians to keep praying for President Muhammadu Buhari’s speedy recovery, so that he could continue with the good works he has started.
He thanked Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for his hospitality, while charging Nigerians to emulate such noble gestures.
In his remarks, the host, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi thanked the minister and those that accompanied him for being his guests.
He said that Almighty Allah in his infinite mercy has kept all alive to witness this Ramadan and share in its abundant blessings.
The revered clergyman prayed for peace and unity of Nigeria, which he said would translate to progress and economic vibrancy.
While contributing, popular Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru, appealed for restraint in choice of words by politicians, groups and individuals.
He said that at a time like this, what was needed most in Nigeria was prayers, expressing optimism that Nigeria would soon come out of the woods.