By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has urged religious leaders across Southern Kaduna to intensify advocacy for peace, unity, and social cohesion among the diverse communities in the region.

The Senator made the appeal during a meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), held as part of his ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders.

Katung, while addressing the religious leaders, emphasized the pivotal role they play in shaping moral values and sustaining communal harmony. He called on them to continue preaching messages that foster unity irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

“You are saddled with the responsibility of preaching peace and inspiring our people towards positive transformation,” he said.

“Our senatorial district will experience higher growth and development if we continue to live in peace and unity. I appeal to our religious fathers to continue to preach peace, unity and cohesion. We must live together irrespective of our backgrounds, faiths, and tribes; that is the only way we can attract development to our region,” the Senator added.

He expressed gratitude for the prayers and support offered by faith leaders and commended their commitment to fostering interreligious harmony. According to him, their spiritual intercession has played a key role in the modest gains recorded by his administration so far.

Senator Katung also reiterated his commitment to good governance, pledging to expand access to quality education, empower the youth through skill acquisition, and promote small-scale enterprises as part of his strategy to combat poverty in the region.

On his leadership philosophy, Katung stressed that he does not engage in religious or ethnic politics, saying: “I have never related with anyone on the grounds of religion or tribe. For me, party politics ends after elections; governance is what truly matters.”

He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Uba Sani for their support in facilitating the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, describing it as a major win for Southern Kaduna.

Responding, the leadership of CAN and JNI lauded the Senator for his inclusive and visionary leadership. They pledged continued prayers and support for his administration and reaffirmed their readiness to work together towards sustaining peace and development in the region.