PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE PROGRAMME ON DEMOCRACY DAY, JUNE 12, 2024

INTRODUCTION
Christian Muslim Unity Foundation (CMUF) in its usual style of engaging in various forms of interfaith related dialogue organized a symposium on Nigeria’s Democracy, 12th June 2024 with the theme, “PROMOTING EQUITY AND FAIRNESS IN GOVERNANCE TO ACHIEVE PEACE AND SECURITY”. The purpose of this event was to create an avenue for discussions on the theme which would naturally highlight some of the root causes of situations that usually disintegrate in to various kinds of division in the society including tribal and religious.
Nigerians of all works of life were expected at the event which was also designed to challenge Government as well as Leaders at all levels in society to engage in equitable policy and administration as it is a vital ingredient for peace and security. Although CMUF is majorly a youth based membership organization, the targeted audience for the discussions was not limited to youths and students but also to senior Government Officials, renowned religions leaders and clerics, women groups and other civil society organizations.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The event which commenced at 11:30am was declared open by the Honorable Minister of State, Youth Development Mr. Ayodele Olawande who was represented by Mr. Dotun Omoleye. In his goodwill message, he stressed the commitment of the President of the Federal republic of Nigeria towards Youth development as evident in his obvious appointment of numerous young persons to key positions in his government. He also appreciated CMUF for bringing youths of both faiths and various tribes to engage in peaceful and purposeful dialogue as well to achieve sustainable peace and security.
The President of CMUF, Grace Inyang in her welcome address appreciated all in attendance and spoke of the need and importance of equity and fairness in governance. She noted that in a country often divided by tribe and religion, it was imperative to unite and foster a culture of peace and security.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
The keynote speaker at the event was the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC) Rev. Fr. (Prof) Cornelius Omonokhua. He called on government and leaders at all levels to embrace and practice equitable policies for the common good and common welfare of all its citizens. He gave a detailed and well researched presentation on the theme highlighting profound points as well as historical and recent real life scenarios to validate the case of how perceived fairness from leadership leads to peace and security.
Other speakers who also shed light on the theme as well as delivering goodwill messages included;
  1. Imam Fuad Adeyemi Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Organization who was represented by IDRIS IBRAHIM Director for Finance, Business and Human Development.
  2. Bishop Dr. Peter Ogunmuyiwa a former Coordinating chaplain, National Ecumenical Center and Arch Bishop of the African Church, Abuja.
  3. AbdulRazaq Ajani, Ameer, Abuja Muslim Forum.
  4. Muhammed Buhari Nda Salaty, FCT Coordinator, Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria (MCAN).
  5. Timothy Amakom the Abuja chapter chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who was represented by Mrs. Vera Nwosu, the Director, Education, Youth and Women Development, FCT CAN.
  6. AbdulRazaq Ajani, Ameer, Abuja Muslim Forum.
  7. Emmanuel Nkanta, representative of The KUKAH CENTER.
  8. Abdurrahman Murtala Adisa, President (Ameer) Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria (MCAN).
  9. Seyi Tinubu who was represented by Hon. Amb. Belusochukwu Enwere, Co-Chairman of NIREC Youth.
  10. CC CI MUTA’A fnarc, mnim Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) represented by DCC Akintunde Alli.
  11. Abubakar Akande, Co-Chairman of NIREC Youth.
  12. Emem Magdalene, representing Students from Gov. Girls Secondary School, Dukpa.
  13. Nuhu Lois, representing Students from Gov. Secondary School, Wuse.
  14. Binuyo Dabira and Abdulraheem Taofikiyah representing Students from School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada.
  15. Comrade Sanni Adisa State Co-ordinator, FCT Special Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
To entertain the audience, the NYSC FCT DANCE AND DRAMA group displayed a wonderful performance based on the theme and visibly expressed values of peaceful coexistence amidst equity and fairness from and for everyone.
There were about 350 persons in attendance which included individuals as well members of various bodies, associations and organizations. Notably among them were;
  1. FCT Aimah Forum
  2. Al-Habibiyyah Organization
  3. Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) FCT Chapter
  4. The Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN)
  5. Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)
  6. Nigeria Railway Corporation
  7. Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC)
  8. NIREC Youth Wing
  9. Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN)
  10. Muslim Sisters Organization (MSO)
  11. Abuja Muslim Forum
  12. FCT Imam Forum
  13. Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC)
  14. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)
  15. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
  16. Women from Garki Police Barracks
One of the Coordinators at the Foundation Mr. Louis Tabai on behalf of CMUF gave the vote of thanks at the close of the event thanking God foremost as well as everyone that attended and contributed in various ways towards the success of the event. He reminded the attendees that CMUF has the strong desire to fight against root causes of situations that lead to division in society and hopes to continuously work with more volunteers and relevant stakeholders for that advocacy.
The event was wonderfully moderated by the duo of Daniel Abdullahi and Ustaz Olayode Abdurazaq aka Philosopher King
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