… themed on “The Role of Religious Leaders in Nation Building”
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Nigeria Union of Journalists has organised its 2nd Ramadan Lecture, with a theme: ‘The Role of Religious Leaders in Nation Building.’
Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, declaring the Ramadan Lecture
open at the NUJ Jos.
During the Lecture, the guest speaker, Alh. Sani Muazu, emphasized the importance of addressing societal inequalities as a key to reducing conflict, stressing that poverty and inequality are the root causes of many crises in the country.
According to him, “Let us work to address these issues and promote a more just and equitable society, while calling on religious leaders to take a proactive stance on social justice, education, and economic empowerment as tools for development.
While stressing that, the responsibility religious leaders have in promoting peace and justice, Muazu urged all to put aside their differences and work towards building a peaceful and prosperous society. He stressed that this process “underscores the critical role of religious leadership in bridging ethnic and religious divides.”
Lecture at the NUJ Jos
Declaring the Ramadan Lecture open, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, noted that, “Our society stands at a critical point where the wisdom, guidance, and moral authority of Religious Leaders are essential for promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect.
According to her, religious leaders hold the power to shape perspectives, influence values, and inspire communicators to work together for a better society.
She also commended the efforts of Governor Mutfwang for his relentless dedication to fostering unity, growth, and development through harmonious living and his approach to inclusive governance, where all voices are valued, and all faiths are respected – a development that has significantly contributed to strengthening the bonds of unity among the people of the state.
Lecture at the NUJ Jos.
She further explained that, “His advocacy for peaceful coexistence and constructive dialogue mirrors the essence of this lecture and serves as a guiding example of how leadership can positively impact society.”
The Commissioner equally commended the NUJ Plateau State chapter for its commitment to encouraging meaningful dialogue and promoting the role of the media in building a more united and peaceful Plateau.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman NUJ Plateau State chapter, Ayuku M. Pwaspo, said the lecture is their modest contribution towards the spiritual rejuvenation of their members and the society.
According to her, their desire was to provide a platform for adherents of Christianity and Islam to have a conversation that preaches peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and mutual respect as well as to promote the overall development of the state.
She further explained that, this informed their topic for this year’s lecture, ‘The Role of Religious Leaders in Nation Building,’ adding that, the month of Ramadan, which is the month of fasting, is believed to be a period the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad to guide adherents on the teachings of Allah and as a guide to spiritual living.
She noted that, “Christians are also observing Lent, which also focuses on prayer, fasting and alms-giving in preparation for Easter,” adding that the two significant religious events at the same time should foster inter-religious dialogue, promote peace and unity of purpose.