MINNA:The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has attracted widespread attention and commendation following a viral video showing him joining Christian worshippers in singing gospel songs at a church concert in Minna
The video, which has been widely circulated across social media platforms, shows the governor mounting the stage and participating in Christian praise and worship during the eighth edition of the annual SHOUT gospel music concert organised by House On The Rock Minna at the Trade Fair Complex.
Bago, who is a practising Muslim, joined the congregation in singing several Christian worship songs, including “I’m a New Creation,” “May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down” and the hymn “Hold the Fort.”
His participation has generated conversations about religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the importance of mutual respect among Nigerians of different faiths.
Many social media users have applauded the governor’s appearance, describing it as an example of interfaith understanding and a reminder that religious differences should not prevent citizens from relating with one another in an atmosphere of peace and respect.
Viral Video Renews Debate on Religious Tolerance in Nigeria
One of the moments that attracted particular attention was when the governor joined worshippers in singing the gospel song “I’m a New Creation,” whose lyrics include the refrain, “I’m born again.”
Addressing the congregation, Bago described the occasion as a time for happiness and celebration.
He said: “You know the season is a season we must rejoice. It’s a season we should be happy because this is the day my Lord has made for me today.”
The event was convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq and featured guest ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.
The governor’s participation has been welcomed by Nigerians who believe that religious tolerance should be demonstrated through practical interactions, rather than limited to public statements and appeals for unity.
The reactions have also prompted calls for political leaders, particularly those in positions of authority, to promote religious understanding and discourage the use of faith as a tool for division, discrimination or political hostility.
Reports indicate that the governor’s appearance at the concert was not an isolated occurrence.
House On the Rock Minna disclosed that Bago had supported the Christian community and attended the SHOUT gathering for four years, missing only the seventh edition.
His latest participation was described by the church as a continuation of his relationship with the Christian community rather than a political campaign activity.
The governor has also used previous editions of the gathering to advocate unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of Niger State.
At the 2024 edition, Bago urged residents to live together peacefully irrespective of their religious backgrounds, stressing that unity was essential to peace and development.
During the 2023 edition, he also encouraged Christian and Muslim religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peace rather than division
Bago has previously spoken about his exposure to Christianity through his education, recalling that he attended a missionary school.
He explained that the experience did not change his Islamic faith, while maintaining that nobody should be compelled to practise a religion against their personal beliefs.
His position has been consistent with his public calls for mutual respect among people of different religious backgrounds.
The governor’s latest appearance at the SHOUT concert has therefore renewed attention on the role of interfaith engagement in strengthening relationships between Christian and Muslim communities.
Beyond the reactions to the video, the development has provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the responsibility of political leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence.
Many Nigerians have used the conversation surrounding the governor’s appearance to encourage political officeholders, party leaders, religious institutions and public figures to demonstrate greater tolerance towards people whose religious beliefs differ from theirs.
At a time when religious identity can become a source of tension in public discourse, advocates of peaceful coexistence argue that leaders should avoid statements and actions capable of deepening religious suspicion.
The message is particularly relevant to the political class, as political competition should not be allowed to turn religious differences into instruments of hostility or exclusion.
Nigeria’s religious diversity makes mutual respect and freedom of worship important foundations for national unity. Citizens should be able to practise their faith, attend religious gatherings and maintain relationships across religious boundaries without intimidation or discrimination.
While opinions about the governor’s appearance may differ, the broader conversation has highlighted the importance of respecting religious freedom and recognising the right of Nigerians to coexist peacefully.
For many who welcomed the video, the central message is that political and religious differences should never become barriers to human understanding, friendship and national unity.
