By Maryam Diallo
Faith-based leaders in Kaduna visited the Bureau for Interfaith to strengthen relationships and mark the conclusion of the 7-day International Interfaith Harmony Week activities.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna State, along with a Muslim scholar, visited the Kaduna State Bureau for Interfaith as part of the World International Interfaith Week and Harmony 2025.
Their goal was to strengthen ties between the bureau and various faith-based organizations in the state.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, who led a delegation of both Muslim and Christian leaders, explained that the visit was intended to reinforce good relationships and promote mutual understanding and unity among different faith communities.
He praised the Bureau for Interfaith for its ongoing efforts to promote religious tolerance and foster better understanding between various religious groups.
The International Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated worldwide from February 1st to 7th, providing a platform for Muslims, Christians, and other faith groups to meet, deliberate, and engage in dialogue on promoting peace and interreligious tolerance.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, who received the United Nations Harmony Week Award in 2022, shared that the campaign for this year’s Interfaith Harmony Week began last week in collaboration with the Kaduna State Peace Commission and religious leaders across the state. Throughout the week, Pastor Buru has visited local communities, markets, places of worship, and schools, organizing various peace-building activities.
Similarly, Imam Hussain Iliyasu, the Chief Imam of Udawa Central Mosque and Morshid of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam of Nigeria, Kaduna State, emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships with the Bureau for Interfaith.
He highlighted that the purpose of their visit was to enhance mutual understanding and promote cordial relations between faith communities.
Imam Iliyasu stressed that International Interfaith Harmony Week plays a crucial role in fostering religious tolerance and harmony.
He called for using this week to deepen relationships with neighbors and work towards peacebuilding efforts that would contribute to a better Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the Executive Director of the Kaduna State Bureau for Interfaith, Rev. Father Anthony Shawuya, the Deputy Executive Director, expressed appreciation for the visit by the Christian and Muslim leaders, along with journalists.
He commended the bureau’s ongoing work to promote peace, religious tolerance, and harmony among different faith groups in the state.
Rev. Father Shawuya also congratulated Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru for making Kaduna State proud by winning the World International Interfaith Week and Harmony 2022 award, acknowledging his efforts in advancing interfaith dialogue and peace.
In conclusion, he urged everyone to work together in creating a better Kaduna State for all. “Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, you make us proud in Kaduna for being the winner of the 2022 Harmony Week,” he said.
