The Al-Ahfad Mosque in Gombe became a symbol of unity on Tuesday as leaders from both the Muslim and Christian communities gathered for a special Ramadan Iftar. The event, which aimed to bridge religious divides and promote tolerance, served as a powerful reminder that Nigeria’s diversity can be its greatest asset.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), spoke passionately at the gathering about the significance of the current season. He noted that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan by Muslims and Lent by Christians offers a rare and unique window for national rebirth. According to Adebayo, having both major religions deeply rooted in the country should be viewed as a “double blessing” rather than a point of friction. He challenged Nigerians to move past the idea of getting rid of one another and instead focus their collective energy on getting rid of poor leadership.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Dr. Umar Dokaji, emphasized the timeliness of the meeting. He explained to those in attendance that bringing Christian and Islamic scholars together to break fast is a practical way to counter the narratives of religious persecution and ethnic tension that often dominate the news. Dr. Dokaji believes that such interactions are essential in preventing deadly crises in the world’s largest Black nation, especially when centered on the shared values of justice and support for the vulnerable.
Representing the Christian community, Reverend Abare Kalla, a former North-east Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described the overlapping fasting periods as divinely orchestrated. He pointed out that the prayers offered during Ramadan closely mirror those said during Lent, proving that the two faiths share a common spiritual foundation. Kalla also made it clear that the vast majority of people in both faiths reject terrorism and violence, urging both groups to work together to defeat the forces trying to tear the country apart.
To illustrate that peace is achievable, Reverend Kalla shared a story from Nasarawa State, where a potential conflict over a place of worship was settled amicably through dialogue between both communities. This example of grassroots cooperation served as a model for the scholars and community leaders present. The evening concluded with a shared meal and a collective call for peace and national cohesion, proving that when Nigerians focus on their shared humanity, the walls of division begin to crumble.
