By Isaiah Benjamin and Usman Ahmed, 22 July 2012Comment

In the spirit of fostering togetherness regardless of religious differences, Muslim youths in Kaduna yesterday hosted their Christian counterparts while breaking their fast.

The occasion which held inside the prestigious Sultan Bello Mosque, Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna, had over 100 Christian youths with their leaders in attendance. Food was served in bowls and eaten by the Christians together with their Muslim counterparts.

The occasion was organised by the Christian-Muslim Youth Peace Initiative of Nigeria under the co-chairmanship of Dr Suleiman Shuabu Shinkafi for the Muslim youths and Diji Obadiah Haruna, youth CAN president.

Briefing newsmen shortly after breaking the fast, Dr Shuabu said, the essence of the breaking of fast together with their Christian counterparts was to further promote peaceful coexistence among the diverse groups and religious divides in Nigeria, promote understanding and religious tolerance.

“The youths are the worst hit in times of crisis and we want to create the needed awareness of tolerating each other and stop the youths from being used for violence,” he said.

He however called on the government to engage the youths meaningfully, so that all forms of social vices perpetrated by the youths would be reduced to the barest minimal.

Similarly, the CAN youth president, Mr Haruna, said the Muslim youths have demonstrated respect for religious values and belief.

“With the Muslims calling the Christians to break fast together in this historic mosque is something very significant. I pray that it will not just stop at eating together alone, but that we will further join forces to say no to violence and collectively build a better society, our religious differences notwithstanding,” he stated.

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