Thousands of devotees of the late Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and religious leaders from Nigeria and some African countries gathered at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina for the maiden edition of a religious peace summit. The event, organised by the Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative, aimed to foster religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The summit was initiated by Masussuka, who was shot dead at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State last Monday.
The Secretary of the Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative, Dr Mustapha Haruna, welcomed attendees and explained that the programme was designed to promote peaceful coexistence among different religious groups in Nigeria and Africa. Despite Masussuka's death being a significant setback, Haruna said the initiative considered it crucial to fulfil the late cleric's dream by proceeding with the programme. He emphasised that honouring Masussuka's wish was essential.
Reverend Richard Sha'aibu Liti, the Katsina State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), hailed the summit as a historic initiative that could address religious intolerance and strengthen peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. Liti expressed his support for the initiative, stating that it would continue to receive backing from people of various religious backgrounds across the nation. He believed that the summit would not be in vain but would leave a lasting legacy.
Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, also known as the 'Digital Imam' from Abuja, praised Masussuka's efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, which he said would remain part of his enduring legacy. Khalid urged Masussuka's followers to remain calm and sustain prayers for Nigeria's unity, continuing to promote the ideals for which he stood. He also called on authorities to identify and bring to justice those responsible for Masussuka's death.
The event drew several prominent religious leaders and personalities, including former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Selcap Dalung, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The large turnout demonstrated the impact of Masussuka's message and the desire for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. Attendees were united in their quest for a more harmonious and tolerant society.
The Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative has taken a significant step in promoting Masussuka's vision of a more peaceful and tolerant Nigeria. By hosting the summit, the initiative has provided a platform for people from different religious backgrounds to come together and discuss ways to achieve this goal. The event has sent a strong message about the importance of peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
The legacy of Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka lives on through the efforts of his followers and like-minded individuals. The maiden religious peace summit has set a precedent for future events aimed at promoting religious tolerance and coexistence in Nigeria. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of religious intolerance, initiatives like this one offer hope for a more harmonious future.
Key points
- The summit was initiated by the late Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
- The event was attended by thousands of followers and religious leaders from Nigeria and some African countries.
- The initiative aims to honour Masussuka's wish and continue his legacy of promoting peaceful coexistence.
