The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has urged the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to establish the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in the country.
Mr Bayero made the call on Friday in Kano at the inauguration of the Interfaith Facilitators’ Guide organised by ActionAid Nigeria.
Represented by Babba Dan-Agundi, District Head of Nasarawa, the emir said the ministry would be charged with the responsibilities of promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.
He described Kano as a bastion of peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence where followers of various religions have no axe to grind.
“Peace is an indispensable aspect of creatures on the planet, and there is a compelling need for it to be safeguarded,” he said.
The royal father described the interfaith dialogue as timely towards promoting peaceful coexistence, adding that Kano had been occupying a prominent position in accommodating people of diverse faiths.
Earlier, the country director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, said there was a need for Nigerians to uphold the virtues of interfaith dialogue towards promoting peaceful coexistence in the country.
“We must be seen to live in peace with one another irrespective of tribe, religion and political differences for our collective political growth,” she said.
According to her, the facilitators’ guide will pave way for the concept of interfaith dialogue to be fully comprehended.
Also, Executive Director, Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, Dr Muhammad Mustapha-Yahaya, said the interfaith facilitators’ guide would help address violent extremism in the state and country at large.
He said, “Violent extremism is on the increase in different parts of the globe, hence measures need to be taken in ensuring that the menace does not escalate in Kano State and other parts of the country.”
NAN
