from Daniel Karlmax
As part of activities to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2021, the Interfaith Mediation Centre, IMC in Kaduna State embarked on sensitization campaign on compliance to COVID-19 protocols using faith based approach to preach Peaceful co-existence amongst people of different faith.
This year’s Interfaith Harmony Week targets market places, women groups, secondary school students as well as traditional and religious leaders where interfaith prayers were offered following the introduction of interfaith body when the team were received by their various target groups in kaduna.
Co-Executive Directors of IMC Pastor Dr. James Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Ashafa emphasized on what the two Holy Books say about unity of all mankind.
The Co-executive Directors who scripturally drew the attention of the people to respect and tolerate each other’s religion and maintain peaceful coexistence in the state, also called on the people to comply with government on COVID-19 rules, noting that it was stated in the two Holy Books to always protect themselves from any form of pandemic and to also mitigate and curtail its spread in the society for the good of all.
They sought people of different faith to help create an atmosphere where present and future generations will co-exist with mutual respect and trust for one another to promote growth and development in the state and the country in general.
The Interfaith Leaders called on all and sundry to refrain from incitement and stressed the need to imbibe the culture of peaceful coexistence and harmonious understanding.
Sensitizing the people on COVID-19 compliance, the Co-executive Directors urged them to take some precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing of face-mask, avoiding crowds, cleaning of hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue among others.
They identified women as the most important elements in the society hence the need for them to remain committed in their roles towards curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic by monitoring the movement of their children.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries. Leader of Kawo market in kaduna, Alhaji Salihu Abdulrahman and Women leader Mrs. Maryam Suleiman said, COVID-19 was real while urging people to listen to the advice of Imam and Pastor on all the protocols of COVID-19.
They thanked IMC for the unique approach to commemorate the Interfaith Harmony Week by sensitizing the public on COVID-19 and also called for unity and tolerance among people of different faith.
According to them, they have been hearing about COVID-19 compliance on the media but seeing IMC at Kawo Market and other strategic places enlightening the public was a step in the right direction.