Religious leaders task govt, others on food security

Muslim and Christian clerics have called on government across all levels, rich individuals, organisations and individuals to tackle hunger in the land and ensure food security to achieve lasting peace in the country.

The clerics made the call in Abuja at the 2025 Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society Annual Ramadan Food Bank and iftar (breaking of fast).

Tribune Online reports that it was a sight to behold as Islamic clerics and their Christian counterparts exchange pleasantries and banters as more than 2,700 beneficiaries, including Muslims and non-Muslims break their fasts.

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The national chief Imam of the Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society, Fuad Adeyemi, told Tribune Online that the event was organised to promote peace, unity and religious tolerance among all Nigerians.

He said, “On the essence of our coming, we all came from the same place. And whether we like it or not, we are going back to the same place. We are from God, and we pass through the soil to go back to God again.

“When we come together most of the time, we will not quarrel with ourselves. When we engage with ourselves, we will be friends.”

The chairman, Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, also in his submission described the event as an example of true spirit of interfaith collaboration and interfaith dialogue which should be encouraged continuously.

“Sincerely speaking, what you are doing is the real example that people want to see faith people do. We have talked so much about our faith. People are tired of hearing what we say. People want to see what we will do, and you are doing it. I say to you, congratulations.

“So, what you are doing is exactly what the Bible says. Caring for people. Showing the care by demonstrating and giving them food to eat. It is enough that we are talking about faith. Let’s show people the faith so that they will see it,” the CAN leader stated.

The Chief Imam, Fouad Lababidi Central Mosque, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja, Dr Tajudeen Adigun Bello, emphasised the importance for faith leaders to think of the welfare of the people, understand and respect one another.

“Feeding is key for any society to have peace. If people are in hunger, then automatically there is going to be crisis. A nation that is in hunger can never have peace.

“And no matter the volume of the security of the people, they are not going to have peace. And no matter the volume of the security of the personality, they are not going to have peace.

“Because it is compulsory for man to eat. And it is not out of your wish that you are hungry, it is natural in you. And that is why Allah has given resources to any nation to keep the primary need of that nation rolling.”

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Professor Cornelius Omonokhua and the Presiding Archbishop of Dominion Chapel International Churches, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, admonished the government, organisations and individuals to see the welfare of the people as the most important service to humanity.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE