Jos, 27 September, 2023 / 4:27 pm (ACI Africa).
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Maulud, the Muslim celebration that marks the birth of Prophet Mohammed, Christian leaders in Nigeria are calling for the fostering of “mutual respect” in the West African nation that they say is characterized by religious diversity.
In a statement issued Wednesday, September 27, the day the Federal Government of Nigeria declared a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Maulud, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes the Muslim faithful in the country a “peaceful celebration”.
“As we commemorate this significant festival, we acknowledge Nigeria's diverse society, comprising individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds,” says Archbishop Daniel Okoh
Archbishop Okoh adds, “It is within this rich diversity that our strength as a nation resides. Consequently, we must persist in promoting mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all religious communities.”
“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Christian community at large, I extend our warm congratulations and heartfelt greetings to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, and all our Muslim compatriots across Nigeria on the auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Maulud,” says the CAN official.