By Maryam Diallo
UN world international Interfaith week and harmony Award Recipient Commends Governor Uba Sani for Restoring Christian Pilgrimage in Kaduna
A recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, has commended Governor Uba Sani for reinstating Christian pilgrimage in Kaduna State after an 11-year suspension.
Describing the decision as historic and inclusive, Pastor Buru said the restoration of the pilgrimage scheme demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to fairness, religious harmony, and rebuilding trust between the government and the Christian community.
Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, he praised the approval of the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and the orientation programme held on February 17, 2026, for 50 intending pilgrims.
“We saw the news online and we are truly delighted by this development,” he said.
The cleric noted that the programme had been suspended in 2015 under the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, during which the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was also scrapped. According to him, the reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to equity and religious balance in the state.
Pastor Buru further called on Christian leaders across Kaduna to offer special prayers for the success of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, emphasizing that leadership should be supported with prayers for peace, unity, and progress.
Stressing that Reinstating the Christian Pilgrimage Board is a clear testament to inclusivity, equity, and a genuine desire to strengthen unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities,” he stated.
He added, “We will continue to pray for the success of this administration beyond 2027. The Governor has made meaningful contributions toward transforming Kaduna State.”
“We will mobilise cleric to offer’s special prayers for the success of this administration for what the governor has done us”
“We will fast and pray for your success”
The announcement, made during the 2025 orientation programme, attracted widespread praise from Christian scholars, who described the move as a strong signal of fairness and inclusive governance.
It could be recalled that Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru is the first Nigerian to receive the United Nations World international Interfaith Harmony Week Award, an initiative inspired by Abdullah II of Jordan, in recognition of his efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among faith-based organizations in Nigeria.
