Oyo CAN Chairman visits Aare Musulumi, reaffirms interfaith unity, religious tolerance

The newly appointed Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, His Eminence Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola De-Damak, at his residence in Ibadan residence.

The CAN Chairman, who was accompanied by the Association’s Secretary, Very Rev. Samuel Owolabi, former chairman, Rt. Col. Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju and Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade, expressed deep appreciation to the Aare Musulumi for his tremendous efforts and consistent support in promoting unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians across Yorubaland.

While speaking during the visit, the Chairman reiterated the importance of sustained unity and religious tolerance between adherents of both faiths, noting that mutual respect and understanding remain critical factors for national stability, economic growth, and the overall development of the country.

Alhaji Akinola described unity, love, religious tolerance, and mutual respect between Muslims and Christians as non-negotiable. He emphasized that in many families across the country, Muslims and Christians coexist as one, further underscoring the need to continually strengthen interfaith harmony.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, the Aare Musulumi cautioned against politicizing security challenges in Nigeria, stressing that both Muslims and Christians are victims of insecurity and terrorism. He called for collective responsibility, unity, and religious tolerance in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, State Governors and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts towards ending insecurity in the country, adding that peace, harmony and religious tolerance are essential foundations for Nigeria’s growth and sustainable development.