GROWING UP IN JOS: A STORY OF COEXISTENCE
By Eugene Nweke – Ksm
As I reflect on my childhood in Jos, Nigeria, I’m reminded of the vibrant streets of Nasarawa Gwom and Zarmaganda, where Muslims and Christians lived together in harmony. My friends and I would attend Catechism classes on Saturdays, followed by Makaranta Islamiyya lessons with Mallam Abdullah, where we’d learn about the teachings of Islam. On Sundays, we’d wake up early for the 6am mass, having attended Jumah service earlier on Fridays at the central mosque, Masallachi Jumah street, Jos.
One of my fondest memories was walking with my friends, including the legendary musician Dan Maraya, who would often join us after Jumah prayers. We’d follow him to his residence at Mango Streets, Jos, listening to his stories, music, and gifts. Those were carefree days, filled with laughter and adventure.
Notwithstanding my Catholic faith, I must admit that, Mallam Abdullah’s teachings added positive impact on my life. He emphasized the importance of moral rectitude, obedience to laws, and compassion towards others. His words still resonate with me today: “Every sincere Muslim is instructed to strive for moral rectitude in his or her conduct, to obey all laws.” “Don’t do anything to anyone that you would not have them do to you.”
“A righteous muslim is not an aggressor by nature but a peaceful and charitable person’.These teachings also resonate with biblical teachings on the “Beatitudes” or “Sermon on the Mount.”
As I grew older, I began to travel extensively throughout Nigeria as a sales redistributor of a company – “Monco”, traversing states like Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Maiduguri, Kaduna, and Benue. Despite being an Igbo man from the eastern part of the country, I received immense kindness and assistance from the people of Northern Nigeria. I recall many instances where I’d be stranded in rural villages, and the villagers would take me in, help fix my vehicle, offer me food and shelter till the next day. The simple Arabic greeting “As-Salaam-Alaikum” would often break the ice, and I’d receive a warm response, “Amin-wu-alaikum salaam!”
As I grew older, I began to notice the stark contrast between the Nigeria of my childhood and the one that exists today. I see individuals claiming to speak for Islam while promoting extremism and violence. I pray that those who are misguided will find their way and that our nation will experience a rebirth, free from religious, tribal, and ethnic sentiments
I dream of an all-inclusive Nigeria where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together in harmony. I reject and condemn any form of subtle killings in the name of religion, war mongering, imperialism, and terrorism. I pray for a new national rebirth that will bring us closer together as a people.
Today, I am a Catholic Knight of St. Mulumba, with a higher degree of religious tolerance and a charitable lifestyle. My experiences have shaped me into a person who values coexistence and mutual respect. I believe that our stories hold the key to understanding and building a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. By embracing our diversity and promoting coexistence, we can create a brighter future for Nigeria and the world.
Finally, I join all well meaning and God fearing patriots in our country to condemn and mourn for the innocent bloods wasted in the name of religion in Plateau, Benue and some farmlands in the eastern states, and ant other states of the federation. And to also state that, government has higher duty to end this transactional religious kamikaze life style being perpetuated by criminals in the name of religion.
Eziokwubundu – Umuawulu.
