The Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, alongside former Kaduna State governor Ramalan Yero and the state Commissioner for Information, Ahmad Maiyaki, has called on Nigerians to promote peace and religious tolerance.
They made the appeal during the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).
The traditional ruler stressed the importance of mutual respect among citizens regardless of religious beliefs, describing tolerance as a key ingredient for national progress and stability.
“If we can tolerate and accommodate one another, we will achieve progress,” the emir said.
Bamali also cautioned that political activities ahead of elections often increase tension in communities. He urged religious leaders to intensify messages of peace and unity, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
“As election is fast approaching, everyone is not at rest. Clerics must preach peace to the people and promote unity, particularly in this holy month,” he added.
Delivering the Ramadan lecture, Sheikh Tukur Al-Manmar, Chief Imam of the Al-Manmar Mosque, warned against the misuse of social media to spread divisive messages capable of destabilising the country.
He emphasised that Muslims and Christians share far more common ground than differences, noting that economic, educational and business ties continue to unite them.
“Muslims and Christians have a lot that join them together. What joins us together is 90 per cent, and just 10 per cent is what sows discord among us,” he said.
The cleric also urged people in northern Nigeria to unite in addressing challenges facing the region instead of allowing divisions to deepen.
“If something happens in the North, we northerners should come together and address the issue as one, not segregating,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, Information Commissioner Maiyaki explained that the Ramadan lecture was initiated during his tenure as managing director of KSMC.
According to him, the programme has since evolved into an important platform for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Maiyaki pledged continued support for the initiative, whether in or out of public office, while lamenting that religious institutions must do more to encourage unity among Nigerians.
