The Southern Kaduna
Christian Leaders Association (SCKLA) has called on communities in the area to break away from the past of strife and crisis and to embrace peace.
It also said the time has come for communities in the area to seek friendship as well as to rebuild their ravaged homes.
Speaking during the 22nd edition of the annual Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit convened by the group in Kafanchan at the weekend, the chairman of the group, Apostle Emmanuel Kure
said leaving the past behind and embracing the future with hope had become necessary to allow the people to rebuild their land and move forward.
“It’s time to break away from the past, a past of strife and crisis. It’s time for us to begin to seek friendship and to build our land together.
“It’s no time to begin to look for faults. We want to see the Muslims and other tribes that are settled in this area as partners in progress.
“It’s time to move forward and part of the reason for moving forward is that we need to start rebuilding our institutions and creating new ones.
“The governor is already setting the pace for us by setting up skills acquisition centre to move us away from the past,” he added
He commended the Nigerian Army for its peace-building efforts in Southern Kaduna, even as he called on them to do more to guarantee a more secured society.
According to him, the annual event is convened to pray for Southern Kaduna and all her people all over the world.
In his remark, the guest speaker, Rev. Israel Akanji, National President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, said it was encouraging to see stakeholders and communities in the area coming together to pray over their land.
According to him, 2024 will see a turnaround and progression in Southern Kaduna and the lives of its people.
Akanji called on the people to work together towards achieving God’s purpose for the zone.
Also speaking through a representative, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, reiterated the need for communities in the area to live in peace as there could be no development without peace.
Sani, represented by Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, appealed to religious leaders to continue to preach peace, unity and obedience to constituted authority.
He maintained that his administration remained committed to creating an inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, can thrive and prosper.
The prayer summit which had the theme: “Arise and Move Forward”, featured song ministration and prayers for Southern Kaduna, the state and the nation at large.