By ibrahima Deutsche
A humanitarian non-governmental organization has organized a New Year 2026 interfaith get-together in Southern Kaduna to strengthen peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State, North-Western Nigeria.
The event was organized by Yakwai Human Touch Foundation in Rido community, Chikun Local Government Area. The Founder and Director of the organization, Madam Elizabeth David Hassan, hosted Muslim and Christian women, alongside youths, for a round-table meal aimed at promoting religious tolerance, unity, and lasting peace.
Madam Elizabeth explained that the annual gathering is designed to bring people of different faiths together to share a meal, exchange goodwill messages, and pray for a successful New Year.
She noted that special prayers were offered for peace, stability, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
She stated that every New Year’s Day, the foundation convenes Muslim and Christian women and youths to deepen interfaith relationships and strengthen community bonds.
According to her, the initiative has played a key role in uniting women across religious lines to work collectively for peace and stability.
The founder added that one of the core objectives of Yakwai Human Touch Foundation is to improve the wellbeing of women, youths, and vulnerable children.
She said the 2026 gathering created a platform for rural women to discuss practical ways of promoting interreligious tolerance, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.
Climate change and environmental degradation were also discussed during the meeting, with particular emphasis on their impact on rural women.
Madam Elizabeth called on women to support environmental protection efforts by planting more trees to reduce flooding and plastic pollution.
She further encouraged rural women to embrace skills acquisition and small-scale economic activities to reduce over-dependence on their husbands and improve household income, stressing that economic empowerment is key to fighting poverty.
“We organize this annual interfaith round-table meal to strengthen our relationships, promote peace and unity, and pray for a successful year ahead.
We are one family under God, and it is important to celebrate the New Year together and pray for a better future,” she said.
One of the participants, Hajiya Halima Haruna from Maraban Rido community, described the gathering as a long-standing tradition made possible by the organization.
She said women from different communities travel long distances each year to participate, exchange goodwill messages, and strengthen bonds of friendship.
She noted that the foundation has trained women on peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies across various communities.
According to her, the organization shared meals such as rice, beans, tuwo, and soft drinks as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
Hajiya Halima commended the founder of the organization for her dedication to empowering women as peace ambassadors and promoting interfaith understanding.
She wished everyone a happy New Year and prayed for a peaceful and prosperous 2026.
Also speaking, Honourable Shadrack David Hassan, a project coordinator in Rido community, expressed satisfaction with the significant role women play in peacebuilding efforts in Kaduna State.
He said the organization has contributed greatly to sensitizing rural women on skills acquisition and self-reliance.
He thanked all the women and youths who participated in the 2026 New Year interfaith lunch and offered prayers for lasting peace and stability in the state and the nation.
