DGSS Hosts Interfaith Ramadan Iftar to Promote Religious Harmony
The Director General of the State Services (DGSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi has hosted an interfaith Iftar dinner in Abuja to mark the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The event brought together Muslim leaders, Christian clerics, and representatives of other faiths, reinforcing the values of unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Describing the gathering as “a tradition,” Ajayi reaffirmed his commitment to fostering harmony among the country’s diverse religious communities. He emphasized that his efforts to bridge divides during significant religious periods—such as Ramadan and the Lenten season—have remained unwavering over the years.
Underscoring the importance of religious harmony, Ajayi called on religious and community leaders to work together for national progress. He highlighted the Iftar dinner as an expression of love and peace, aligning with the spirit of Ramadan. The event also extended support to the less privileged and individuals with special needs, further embodying the values of compassion and inclusivity.
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Ajayi, a Christian, shared that identifying with Muslims during Ramadan has become a personal tradition for him. He expressed hope that such initiatives would strengthen mutual trust and deepen interfaith understanding. Looking ahead to the Lenten season, he emphasized the shared values of compassion, unity, and service across religious traditions.
The Muslim Ummah, led by Professor Khalid Aliyu Abubakar, National Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), expressed gratitude for the DGSS’s gesture in hosting their first Iftar of 2025. Abubakar commended Ajayi’s pragmatic leadership and unwavering dedication to unity. “Mr. Ajayi, despite being the son of Christian clerics, has made history,” he remarked, praying for Allah’s guidance and wisdom for the DGSS in navigating the complexities of nation-building.
Similarly, Reverend Saboyaro Adams of the Christian Council of Nigeria praised Ajayi’s initiative, urging other leaders to follow his example. He emphasized that Ajayi’s demonstration of love and inclusivity aligns with Christian values and is crucial for national unity. Reverend Adams noted that while Nigeria’s religious diversity presents challenges, it also holds immense potential when effectively harnessed. He encouraged leaders like Ajayi to remain steadfast in their mission to unify and uplift the nation.
The event concluded with prayers for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, as attendees embraced the spirit of togetherness and mutual respect that defined the evening.
By PRNigeria