Saraki: Nigeria’s Diversity Must Unite, Not Divide Us, Hosts Christian Leaders, Clerics

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has emphasised unity, interfaith harmony, and shared values between Islam and Christianity in the country.

Saraki spoke in Ilorin on Monday  night  when  he hosted Christian leaders, clerics, women and youth representatives from across Kwara State at his residence to break the Lenten fast.

According to his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the gathering formed part of Saraki’s ongoing engagements with religious and community stakeholders during the Ramadan period.

Speaking at the event, Saraki noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season was rare and deeply symbolic, stressing that both faiths promotedreflection, sacrifice, discipline, and love for humanity.

He said the convergence served as a reminder that Nigerians remained one people whose diversity should strengthen rather than divide them.

“As our Christian brothers and sisters observe the Lenten season, I am honoured to welcome Christian leaders and members of the community to break fast with us.

“It is not common for Ramadan and Lent to fall at the same time. This rare convergence speaks powerfully to the shared values at the heart of both faiths — reflection, sacrifice, discipline and love for neighbour,” Saraki said.

In her remarks, Prophetess Bosede Adimabua commended Saraki for what she described as his consistency in standing with the people both in and out of office.

She noted that generosity and fairness across faith lines should never be taken for granted and praised the role of Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu in sustaining engagement between Saraki and the Christian community in Kwara State.

She also expressed hope for the restoration of peace and good governance in the state.

Responding, Saraki said he received the remarks with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

The former Senate President also hosted party stakeholders and members from Ekiti, Isin, and Oke-Ero Local Government Areas during the engagements.

Reflecting on his activities over the past ten days in Kwara State, Saraki expressed gratitude to Muslim and Christian leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, party stakeholders, youth and women groups, and residents who had visited to share Iftar, prayers, and counsel.

“The unity I have witnessed over these past days reaffirms my belief that when we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he stated.