By ibrahima yakubu
Ahead of the United Nations International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st, Christian and Muslim scholars in Kaduna have engaged in mutual exchange visits to promote interreligious tolerance, peace, and unity among their communities.
The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, expressed joy at receiving a delegation of Muslim scholars at his church. He emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the bond between Christians and Muslims in the state and to send a powerful message that “we are one family under God.”
He explained that the initiative is part of this year’s International Day of Peace celebrations, which encourage community-based actions that foster peace and understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
Pastor Buru highlighted the 2025 theme for International Peace Day:
“Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals”,
noting that the theme underscores the importance of both individual and collective efforts in building a peaceful world—especially through the promotion of justice, the reduction of poverty and inequality, and the resolution of conflict.
He also recalled that he had previously visited Muslim communities and worship centers to promote peaceful coexistence. This return visit by Muslim scholars, he said, is a testament to the growing relationship and mutual respect between the two faith communities.
Pastor Buru called on Christian and Muslim youth across Kaduna State to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect. He also urged religious leaders to avoid promoting hate speech in sermons, especially on social media platforms.
In addition, he encouraged citizens to register for their voter cards ahead of the 2027 general elections and to support credible leadership.
He further appealed to all religious leaders nationwide to engage in continuous prayers for peace and unity, particularly as the world marks International Peace Day.
Responding on behalf of the visiting delegation, Ambassador Dr. Idris Musa, a member of the Northern Nigeria Elders Network for Peace from Tudun-Wada, Kaduna, praised Pastor Buru for his consistent efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the visit was part of this year’s Peace Day activities, which include inter-community exchange visits aimed at promoting practical peacebuilding.
Dr. Musa said the delegation also came to congratulate Pastor Buru for winning the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week Award in 2022, presented by King Abdullah of Jordan—a recognition for his tireless work in fostering interfaith dialogue.
He added that Pastor Buru remains one of the few Christian leaders who regularly visit Muslim communities during religious celebrations such as Maulud and Eid-el-Fitr.
He has also provided humanitarian support to Muslim families during Ramadan, including the distribution of food items to the needy.
It could be recalled that
World Peace Day, officially known as the International Day of Peace, is celebrated every September 21st. The date was established by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2001, which fixed it as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. It serves as a universal call for peace, encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and public awareness on peace-related issues across nations and peoples.
