By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – The Special Adviser on Christian Matters (Interfaith Bureau) to Kaduna State Governor, Rev Haruna Gaga has said the reorganization of the education sector is in the interest of Kaduna State citizens and not to hurt anyone, saying Governor El-Rufai is prepared to support education as his cardinal programs are; education, health and security.
He made the assertion at the Middle-Belt Interfaith 6th Edition and 1st Annual Competition Among School-Age (“Catch Them Young”) and Merit Award held in Kaduna on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
According to him, the Governor currently has a program where he intend to build permanent schools that will stand the test of time and compete favourably anywhere in the world.
“The reorganization in education sector in the state is in the interest of its citizens and not to hurt anybody, rather the governor wants quality teachers, schools and programs so that in future our schools can compete anywhere in the world, and also make Kaduna great,” he maintained.
Rev. Gaga said that this is the first time in Kaduna State Interfaith is bringing Christians and Muslims secondary, primary school-age to work together for unity. He added that when youth live, play together and see themselves as valuable to one another, that is the only way we can make a better tomorrow.
Earlier
in his address, National President of the Middle-Belt Youth Organization, Ambassador Victor Enjema, said the organization funds youth interfaith among school-age primary and secondary schools in Nigeria as a project, particularly in the north, and hopes to improve relationship, consolidate peace and curb insecurity in northern Nigeria to avoid religious crisis, which is tearing people apart in the society.
According to him, the organization as a follow up project was able to select fifteen schools of both faiths in Kaduna state as a “flash-point” and a pilot scheme, which indeed was flagged-off in Arewa House on October 28, 2014.
“On February 23, 2017, the organization held its 5th Edition at Madinatul Ahbab College, Tudun Wada, Kaduna for the first time in the history of Islamic schools hosting Christians alike, to embrace peace while during the competition prizes were won.
“On October 21, 2017, the organization held its 6th edition and 1st annual competition among the school-age and hosted by Sardauna Memorial College (S.M.C), Angwan Dosa, Kaduna with the following schools which emerged winners: 1st position – Rimi College, Kaduna; 2nd position – Makera Model Primary School, Kakuri Kaduna; and 3rd position – Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Kagoro Road, Tudun-Wada Kaduna.
“It is our believe that this platform will only provide a rallying-point for Muslims and Christians among school-age through integration, but also provide a common voice that is nationally audible and acceptable by all in the society of our time,” he said.
Fielding questions from Journalists shortly after receiving a meritorious award, Founder of Treasure Youth and Widows Association, Dr. Charity Ogbole commended organizers of the event, saying the award will challenge her association to do more for the less privileged in the society.
Dr. Ogbole who was represented by
Martha Ogbole, said her association has just clocked 10years where programs are held for youth and widows in Kaduna State.
She added that yearly the Association places these categories of Nigerians on a platform where they can enjoy facility of being self independent and confident in the market.
Speaking on behalf of other students, Abdulsalam Abubakar of Rimi College, Kaduna, commended the organizers of the event and resolved to live together in unity with one another irrespective of their religious and ethnic affiliations
.