Traditional ruler seeks collaboration of NSCIA for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria

 By Yahaya Issa 

The Ohinoyi of Ebira land, his Royal Majesty, Dr Ahmed Anaje, has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to foster peaceful co-existence in the country.

The royal father also solicited for the collaboration of the NSCIA for a peaceful co-existence among the people of his domain, the people of Ebira land.

Anaje made this known during his familiarisation/ courtesy visit to the Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, at the National Mosque on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anaje was appointed as the Ohinoyi of Ebira land on Jan. 8, and coronated on Jan. 25, after the death of the former royal father, Dr Ado Ibrahim.

“Upon assumption of duty, I consider it my utmost duty to embark on this journey to this esteemed body, the NSCIA, first, to collaborate on how Nigerians can live peacefully among themselves irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“Secondly, to also seek the support of the NSCIA on sustaining the already existing peaceful co-existence among the people of my domain, the people of Ebira land,” he said.

The royal father noted that NSCIA has long served as a beacon of guidance and unity for the Muslim community in Nigeria as well as non-Muslims.

“Your dedication to upholding Islamic principles, fostering inter-faith dialogue, and promoting peace and social justice is an inspiration to all.

“As the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, I am committed to working alongside the NSCIA in these crucial endeavours.

“Needless to say that the Ebira people hold strong Islamic values, and I see my role as not just that of a traditional ruler but also a bridge between our community and the wider Nigerian Muslim society.

“I am therefore, eager and looking forward to serving this esteemed body in whichever capacity and to also learn from the vast experiences of its respected leadership by collaborating on initiatives that will benefit Nigerians,” he said.

Anaje said that with dedication, commitment, prayer and hardworking, Nigerians could build a stronger and more vibrant country we could all be proud of irrespective of religious affiliations.

Earlier, the Secretary-General, congratulated him on his coronation as the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, urging him to bring everybody in his domain together as one irrespective of their clan and religious affiliations.

Oloyede promised that NSCIA would do everything in its capacity as usual to collaborate with the traditional ruler in ensuring a peaceful co-existence in his domain and the country at large.

“Yes, the people of Ebira land are predominantly Muslims. One as a traditional ruler and secondly as a Muslim, make sure you try as much as possible to strike balance for a peaceful co-existence.

“I will also advise to ensure that there is peace not just only in your domain, but in the entire state and by extension in the entire country for a better Nigeria,”he said.