CAN preaches peace, tolerance for Nigeria’s development

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. Joseph Hayab, has urged Nigerians to tolerate one other and live peacefully to promote national development and growth.

He made this known in a statement to mark International Day for Tolerance, yesterday. Hayab, who is also the Country Director for Global Peace Foundation (GPF), said: “The world we live is a global village and people of different ethnicity, religion and race need each other for socio economic growth. Our connection with one another makes our relationship more than just tolerating one another. We need tolerance in our schools, offices, market places, when we are travelling by road, rail and on air. Our closeness to people with different identities and our ability to move along should go beyond just tolerance.

“GPF, therefore, uses this occasion to appeal to all human beings, especially Nigerians, to show more love, respect and give others space to operate. Our community will be peaceful when people see others recognising and appreciating their unique contributions. Such recognition goes beyond tolerance.”

The statement reads in part: “All people, regardless of race, nationality, religion or culture, are one family under God. GPF affirms the importance of universally recognised principles and shared values as essential to building social cohesion within nations and the global community.

“All people have intrinsic value, dignity and fundamental rights as endowed by the Creator. Every person has, as his or her highest attribute, a spiritual and moral essence.

“Our human nature finds its fullest expression and meaning in relationships with others. People develop their innate potentials through their choices and actions. Freedom and responsibility are intrinsically linked.

“Understanding our shared identity and common aspirations as members of the human family establishes the basis for lasting Peace. It is the foundation for respect, empathy and shared responsibility beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and nationality.”