The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to promote inter-religious peace and unity in the territory.
The Mandate Secretary for the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, Mrs Hadiza Kabir, made the disclosure at the inter-faith forum organised by the secretariat.
She emphasised the need for the two dominant religions to ensure mutual respect for each other.
Kabir said that the programme tagged, ‘Peaceful Co-existence and Importance of Fasting: During Ramadan and Lent’, would reorient Christians and Muslims on a lifestyle that will make Nigerians more united.
She urged that people of both faiths must understand and practise the teachings of the dominant religions to deepen peace in the society.
Kabir said: “Nigeria has always been a secular state, thus the views and ways of life of the two dominant religions in the country must be respected.
“We have always lived together as one, we marry each other, we attend the same schools, we work in the same place and environment and do so many other things together.
“Therefore, the need to co-exist and live together cannot be over emphasised.”
One of the speakers and a Catholic Priest with Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev Robert Achiaga, said people should create a seat for God in their hearts and avoid issues that would ignite crisis.
He said: “There is a reason that God created us to live together as humans, so we have to respect each other’s religion.
“No need to have disagreements among ourselves. We must create aseat for God in our hearts, to avoid the issues that will divide us.
” Pastors and Imams or religious leaders must not only teach their followers the theoretical aspects, but they must practice what they teach.
“That is the only way to continue to live in peace with people from other faiths.”
Also, Ms Fatima Idris, Faculty member, Coach Halima Transformation Academy (COHATA), said people of different faiths should always promote peaceful co-existence.
This, she said, was by abiding by the standard of their religions, as it is critical to the development of any society.
Idris said: “It is the obligation of parents, community and religious leaders to pursue and promote harmonious living in the society, for the sake of the present generation and the future one.”