The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kaduna State Directorate, on Tuesday called on leaders of religious organisations to preach messages of peace to achieve national security.
Alhaji Zubair Galadima-Soba, the NOA State Director, made the call in Kaduna during an advocacy visits to the offices of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
He noted that the role of religious leaders in propagating peace in the society could not be over-emphasised as they were closer and respected by the people.
Galadima-Soba explained that the agency had been engaged in public enlightenment and value reorientation under its “Building a people of peace“ programme.
“It is aimed at reminding Nigerians on their responsibility to be peace ambassadors and imbibe peace in whatever they do.
“The agency has been traversing the nooks and crannies of the 23 local government areas of the state advocating for peace.
“When you have peace and order, there will be security of life and property. It is only when there is peace that nation building, good government and worship can take place,” he said.
He appealed to the leadership of the religious associations to continue in the direction and do more, adding that the agency would give them all support they needed.
The director, who presented the Nigerian flag to both CAN and JNI, stated that the act symbolised peace and showed that the country was one and united.
He stated that the flag was meant to remind Nigerians at all times to be at peace with one another in order to sustain the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers.
Responding, Ibrahim Isah-Kufena, the JNI State secretary, disclosed that the JNI had directed all mosques to conduct special prayers for the peace and the security of the country.
He, however, noted that the security challenges was on the rise, advising Nigerians to reflect on their deeds, seek forgiveness and go back to God.
Similarly, Rev. John Joseph-Hayab, Chairman, Kaduna State CAN, noted that peace was not only the business of the masses but also that of the authorities.
He said that the association had always advocated peace and the government needed to step up on securing lives and property of the citizenry.
He urged the agency to relay the people’s message to the government so as to achieve a lasting solution. (NAN)
