NOA urge religious groups to preach peace

The Kaduna State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday urged religious leaders to preach peace messages in order to achieve national security.

Alhaji Zubair Galadima-Soba, the NOA State Director, made the plea in Kaduna during advocacy trips to the headquarters of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He stated that the role of religious leaders in promoting peace in society could not be overstated because they were more close to and respected by the people.

Galadima-Soba explained that the organization had been working on public enlightenment and value reorientation as part of its “Building a People of Peace” program.

“It is intended to remind Nigerians of their responsibility to be peace ambassadors and to instill peace in everything they do.”

“The agency has been advocating for peace in the nooks and crannies of the state’s 23 local government areas.”

“There will be security of life and property when there is peace and order.” “Nation building, good governance, and worship can take place only when there is peace,” he said.

He urged the religious organizations’ leaders to keep going in the right direction and to do more, saying that the agency would provide them with all the help they needed.

The director, who presented the Nigerian flag to both the CAN and the JNI, stated that the act represented peace and demonstrated that the country was one and united.

He stated that the flag was designed to remind Nigerians to be at peace with one another at all times in order to sustain the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers.

In response, Ibrahim Isah-Kufena, the JNI State Secretary, stated that the JNI had directed all mosques to hold special prayers for the country’s peace and security.

He did, however, mention that security challenges were on the rise, advising Nigerians to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and return to God.

Similarly, Rev. John Joseph-Hayab, Chairman of the Kaduna State CAN, stated that peace was not only the responsibility of the people but also of the authorities.

He stated that the association had always advocated for peace and that the government needed to do more to protect citizens’ lives and property.

He urged the agency to convey the people’s message to the government in order to find a long-term solution.