Our diversity remains our strength - Kaduna gov

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called on Nigerians, particularly the state's residents, to safeguard the prevailing peace by resisting divisions based on political, religious, or ethnic differences. His appeal came during the 2026 Friends Day Worship Service organized by the ECWA Gospel Church in Kaduna, an event that brought together Muslims, Christians, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

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This event is marked by an atmosphere of reflection and mutual respect, underscoring the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amid our diversity, which remains our strength.

Represented by Gabriel Joseph Shemang, the Acting Director of Christian Matters at the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, Governor Sani affirmed his administration's dedication to supporting initiatives that foster religious tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the annual Friends Day celebration as a testament to the values of mutual respect and understanding, stating, "This event is marked by an atmosphere of reflection and mutual respect, underscoring the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amid our diversity, which remains our strength."

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Our Friends Day is not organised as a political campaign platform, and we do not expect anyone to use it as such. The Church is non-partisan.

The governor urged religious leaders statewide to consistently promote messages of peace and nurture harmonious relationships among diverse faith communities. He reaffirmed the administration's commitment to strengthening interfaith dialogue and supporting programs that encourage peaceful coexistence throughout Kaduna State. The event aimed to build trust and understanding, leveraging diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

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Unity in diversity does not mean everyone becomes the same. It means choosing to stand together while respecting our differences.

During the service, Senior Pastor Rev. Joshua Anyam of ECWA Gospel Church cautioned politicians against using places of worship as campaign platforms, emphasizing the church's non-partisan stance ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that the Friends Day program was instituted to promote friendship and unity, not political campaigning. Pastor Anyam also warned against individuals who exploit religion, ethnicity, and politics for selfish interests, urging vigilance against those who use diversity as an instrument of division.

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There are people whose stock-in-trade is creating division, confusion and conflict. Some religious, traditional and political leaders use our diversity, which should be our strength, as an instrument of division for selfish interests. We must be wary of them.