By ibrahima yakubu
Pastor Dr. Buru Launches Innovative Program to Promote Peace Through Music and Sports
The National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, has announced the launch of the Music + Sport Peace Initiative, designed to foster unity and understanding among communities in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria.
Pastor Buru emphasizes that music and sport are powerful universal languages of peace that can bridge divides in Nigeria’s diverse society. These mediums break barriers, promote inclusivity, and address ethno-religious issues.
This initiative uniquely combines music with sports such as skating and football, yielding tangible results for peacebuilding.
He highlights the significant role of music and sports in promoting peaceful coexistence, serving as unifying forces that encourage dialogue and bridge divides. Through shared musical experiences and sporting events, individuals from diverse backgrounds can find common ground and cultivate mutual respect.
“Music occupies a profound place in Nigeria’s rich culture, serving as a vibrant expression of creativity, identity, and social cohesion,” he states. “One remarkable aspect of music in Nigeria is its ability to transcend language barriers, connecting people from various ethnicities and regions.”
Regardless of one’s mother tongue or cultural background, music serves as a universal language that allows Nigerians to communicate and share experiences.
“If you have the body, use it to bring peace; if you have music, use your music,” he urges. Music has immense potential for peacebuilding by mitigating violence, igniting hope, and fostering integration among communities.
Additionally, sports can positively shape the nation’s image internationally. Research has shown that sports, particularly football, can enhance national pride and foster unity.
The initiative has also evolved into a reconciliation tool, promoting understanding, tolerance, and forgiveness in Kaduna.
Pastor Buru’s NGO utilizes grassroots sports and music to facilitate interactions between youth and coaches, encouraging dialogue with other communities to promote peace and interreligious tolerance.
Activities like skating, football, and basketball aim to bridge divides, bringing children and communities together for peace and unity.
In essence, music in Nigeria transcends mere entertainment; it embodies the country’s creativity, diversity, and resilience. It connects people, tells stories, and addresses pressing issues, making it integral to Nigerian society and a powerful tool for fostering unity and promoting change.
Pastor Buru underscores the importance of these efforts, citing findings from the Peace Players International program. He emphasizes how the tournament breaks down longstanding divisions within the city:
“Participants discover their shared humanity, realizing they have more in common than what separates them.
The uniqueness of the initiative lies in its inclusivity, deliberately forming teams with players from different faiths and backgrounds.”
Community youth leader Gambo Abdullahi Barnawa expressed his gratitude, noting that “the initiative fosters inclusivity through music and sport in a city that has faced ethno-religious conflicts. The use of music in peacebuilding represents a paradigm shift.”
He added that music has an innate ability to transcend language barriers and connect with people on an emotional level.
He thanked Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru for creating this initiative aimed at promoting peace and unity among adherents of different faith-based organizations in the country.
