AS part of moves to strengthen inter-religious relations and fast track moves to ensure peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwhistle joined Muslims at the Government House in Kano to break the Ramadan fast on Tuesday evening.
The envoy attended the occasion at the instance of the state governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who had on the 28th of June, 2014, organized a Muslim-Christian Inter faith gathering, chaired by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and attended by eminent Islamic and Christian leaders from across the country.
In a brief speech during the occasion, Ambassador Entwhistle expressed delight that he was received and included in an event of such significance.
“As I travel this country and meet Nigerians of all faiths, Muslims and Christians, I am struck by how many Nigerians are committed to the idea of peace between the two great faiths, and how many Nigerians of all faiths are committed to ending social conflict and strife”, the envoy asserted.
He expressed the opinion that the cultural and religious multiplicity of Nigerians should not be a source of tension but rather a source of richness and harmony which characterizes the nation.
In his remarks Governor Kwankwaso expressed happiness over the cordial relationship existing between Nigeria and United States of America, hoping that very soon, a US consulate will take off in Kano, adding that the US Ambassador has made Kano state his second destination after Abuja.
On his part, Nigeria’s former permanent representative to the United Nations, Dan Masanin Kano, Yusuf Maitama Sule observed that as far back as the World War II, the people of Kano had very cordial relationship with Americans, when US troops were stationed in the state.
The elder statesman recalled with nostalgia that many Americans used to visit the old city and interacted affectionately with the people, pointing out that from then, many Kano people and Americans became friends. He hoped the relationship would be maintained for the benefit of the two countries.
Also speaking, the Saudi Arabian Consul in Kano, Shaikh Majed Qattani praised the governor Kwankwaso for consolidating inter-faith relations as well as relations with the international community, hoping the spirit would remain alive.
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