By Maryam Diallo Dakar
To mark the conclusion of this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), hosted a prayer breakfast aimed at strengthening religious tolerance, peace, and unity in Kaduna and across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event held in Kaduna on Friday, Dr. James Kanyib, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, highlighted that the theme of the event perfectly aligned with the collective aspirations of the citizens for a peaceful and united Kaduna.
Dr. Kanyib stated that under the visionary leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani, Kaduna State is committed to an inclusive governance model and sustainable peace. He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting understanding, and ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their faith or background, has a voice and stake in the state’s progress.
“The Governor’s leadership principles prioritize unity, fairness, and equal opportunity for all, which are reflected in various initiatives and policies. We are working tirelessly to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging,” Dr. Kanyib said. “Governor Sani’s commitment to inclusive governance is demonstrated in his appointments, project distributions, and policy implementations.”
He also highlighted that the state government recognizes dialogue not only as a tool for conflict resolution but as an essential approach to preventing conflict and building lasting peace. He pointed to how dialogue has helped restore peace and safety in communities affected by insecurity, including Birnin-Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas.
In her address, the Acting Executive Vice Chairperson of KSPC, Hajiya Khadija Hawaja Gambo, reminded attendees of the deep wisdom that connects everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, through our shared humanity. She stressed that Interfaith Harmony does not require erasing distinctions or undermining traditions, but rather embracing diversity as a strength and recognizing common values and aspirations.
“Let us be guided by the principles of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. Let us strive to understand each other’s viewpoints and build bridges of collaboration and peace,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Barr. Tahir Umar Tahir, the Director-General of the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, praised JISRA and KSPC for organizing the prayer breakfast. Represented by Tahir Ibrahim, the Director of Religious Affairs (Islamic Matters), he emphasized that the Bureau remains open to collaborations aimed at promoting religious harmony and understanding, not just within Kaduna State but across Nigeria.
Mr. Jude Likita, the Country Coordinator of JISRA, provided an overview of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), explaining that JISRA envisions a world where people of diverse faiths and beliefs coexist peacefully, with mutual respect. He emphasized that JISRA’s mission is to foster inclusive societies by addressing religious conflict, promoting dialogue, and advocating for FoRB.
“We are committed to building peace from the ground up, through collaboration with local communities, faith-based organizations, and civil society,” Likita stated. “True harmony is not the absence of differences, but the presence of understanding, respect, and justice. Together, we stand for a world where differences do not divide but enrich us, where collaboration replaces conflict, and where peace becomes a lived reality.”
The event was preceded by a Webinar on the theme “The Role of Faith Leaders and Legal Frameworks for Freedom of Religion or Belief.” During the session, Ms. Fatima Madaki, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, explained that faith leaders have the potential to either positively or negatively influence their communities due to their unique positions of trust and authority. She stressed that faith leaders have a threefold responsibility: educating, mediating, and speaking out in support of religious freedom.
Ms. Madaki also shared global examples, including a case from Sri Lanka, where Buddhist monks and Christian pastors came together to de-escalate rising tensions. She mentioned a similar initiative in Kaduna, where Christian and Muslim leaders united to condemn violence and engage policymakers in fostering interfaith dialogue.
Religious leaders from JISRA communities in Kakuri, Kaduna South, and Zankan-Moro’a in Kaura Local Government Areas praised JISRA’s efforts to promote peace and religious tolerance. Alhaji Isiyaku Umar, Imam of Kakuri Community Court Mosque, and Reverend Yohanna Bitrus, a Christian leader from the Baptist Church in Zankan-Moro’a, both affirmed that despite the diverse nature of their communities, religious tolerance and love for one another have become their guiding principles.
