The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yobe Council, has honoured Gov. Mai Mala Buni with an award for “inclusive governance”.
Bishop Yohanna Audu, the Council’s Chairman, presented the award to Buni, when the leadership of the association paid a Christmas homage to the governor in Damaturu.
He said the award was in recognition of Buni’s fairness to people of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds in the state.
“You won this prestigious award because of your style of leadership that carries everybody along irrespective of tribe, region or religion,” Audu said.
The chairman also commended the governor for appointing people from all faiths and ethnic backgrounds into his administration.
He noted that Buni’s commitment to peace was why adherents of different religions co-exist peacefully in the state based on love and trust.
In preparation for Christmas, Audu said the association organised a unity carol with participants from six North-Eastern states.
The chairman said the program went on successfully, even when Muslims were having National Qur’anic Recitation Competition within the period.
“This is a clear demonstration of the peace, trust, and tolerance we have in the state under your able leadership,” he said.
Audu listed other supports CAN enjoyed from Buni to include foreign scholarships, pilgrimage slots, palliatives and bulls during festivals.
Responding, Buni assured the association of more supports and opportunities to all irrespective of religion, ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
He said the responsibility of building a peaceful society rests on everyone, urging the religious leaders to always preach peace to their congregation.
“We thank God for the stable peace we now enjoy across the state, and we all have roles to play in improving the relative peace enjoyed,” the governor said.
Buni said the award would propel him to do more in supporting and carrying everyone along.
“It’s an award l will live to value it,” he added.
