By Emmanuel Kwada
Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), delivered a stirring speech during a Ramadan visit to His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
The visit, marked by warm hospitality and interfaith goodwill, underscored the importance of unity, peace, and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
In his address, Rev. Dr. Pam praised Governor Yahaya for his exemplary leadership, both in Gombe State and across the region. “Under your visionary leadership, Gombe has continued to experience remarkable growth in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development,” he said, highlighting the state’s stability and progress as a model for the North.
We call on both the Federal Government and the Government of Edo State to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly
He also commended Yahaya’s tenure as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, noting his efforts in fostering regional cooperation, tackling insecurity, and promoting interfaith harmony.
The speech took a somber turn as Rev. Dr. Pam condemned the recent killing of innocent travelers in Edo State, calling it a tragic act of violence that must not go unpunished.
“We call on both the Federal Government and the Government of Edo State to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly,” he urged, while appealing to Northern youth to refrain from retaliatory actions. “Revenge will only deepen our national wounds,” he cautioned, advocating for patience and lawful resolutions.
Amidst the Ramadan celebrations—a season of reflection and peace—Rev. Dr. Pam also made a passionate appeal for enhanced security and economic development in the North.
Economic hardship is a major driver of insecurity
He urged Northern governors to deepen collaboration in combating banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts, while emphasizing the need for youth empowerment programs to address unemployment and prevent crime.
“Economic hardship is a major driver of insecurity,” he noted, calling for investments in education, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.
Reaffirming Northern CAN’s commitment to partnership, Rev. Dr. Pam assured Governor Yahaya of the organization’s support in promoting peace and progress. “We are fully committed to working with you to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united North where all citizens can thrive, regardless of their faith,” he declared.
We are fully committed to working with you to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united North where all citizens can thrive, regardless of their faith
The address concluded with gratitude for Gombe’s hospitality and a prayer for continued blessings on the state and its leadership. The event, attended by government officials, religious leaders, and CAN executives, highlighted the power of interfaith dialogue in fostering unity—a message that resonates deeply in today’s Nigeria.
CAN executives, highlighted the power of interfaith dialogue in fostering unity
As the nation navigates its challenges, Rev. Dr. Pam’s words serve as both a rallying cry and a reminder: peace and justice must go hand in hand for progress to endure.
