THESHIELD Garkuwa
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By; Imrana Abdullahi, Kaduna Northern Nigeria
Ahead of the United Nations International Interfaith Week and Harmony, slated for February 1st-7th, 2025, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, the recipient of the 2022 United Nations World International Interfaith Week and Harmony Award, led a delegation of Muslim and Christian leaders, along with traditional titleholders, to the Kaduna State Peace Commission.
The purpose of the visit was to commend the Commission for its significant efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance throughout the state.
On Monday, January 27th, 2025, Pastor Buru, accompanied by the delegation of Muslim and Christian scholars, visited the Kaduna State House (General Hassan House). During their visit, he expressed appreciation for the Peace Commission’s outstanding work in fostering peace and stability in the region.
Dr. Buru praised both the Kaduna State government and the Peace Commission for their dedication to strengthening unity and promoting peace within the state. He emphasized the importance of the visit to thank the Commission for its continued efforts to maintain peace. He specifically highlighted the Commission’s 2024 report, which showed zero conflicts across the state—an impressive achievement.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru also mentioned that they came to the Peace Commission to launch the 2025 International Interfaith Week and Harmony campaign, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of promoting interreligious tolerance and fostering better understanding among different faith-based organizations in the state.
He further explained, “The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform—one week each year—where interfaith groups and other goodwill organizations can showcase their powerful movements. The thousands of events organized by these groups often go unnoticed, not only by the public but also by the groups themselves. This week will allow these groups to become aware of each other, strengthening the movement by building ties and avoiding duplicated efforts.”
In his remarks, the former Chief Imam of Uduwa and current Morshid of Kaduna State Jama’atul Nasrul Islam, Imam Iliyasu Hussani, commended the Peace Commission for its key role in promoting interreligious tolerance and preventing conflicts among various communities in the state.
He added, “The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour.’ This formula includes all people of goodwill—those of other faiths and those with no faith.”
Imam Hussani acknowledged the Peace Commission’s consistent efforts in mediating peace and facilitating dialogue. He also urged all stakeholders involved in peacebuilding to work together with the Commission to further promote unity and peace in the state. He called on both Muslim and Christian communities to continue praying for the ongoing peace and stability in Kaduna.
Responding, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadija Hawaja Gambo, expressed delight over the visit of the Christian and Muslim religious leaders and traditional titleholders.
She emphasized that the Commission is doing its utmost to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance across all 23 local governments of the state. She added that the Commission is partnering with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and corporate organizations to promote unity in the state.
She further stated that the Commission is committed to ending all forms of violence that cause instability in the state. Hajiya Gambo thanked the visitors and together, they officially launched the 2025 International Interfaith Week and Harmony campaign at the Peace Commission.
It is worth recalling that the World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010, by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN, and henceforth, the first week of February will be observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Meanwhile, the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) also wishes everyone a Happy International Interfaith Week and Harmony Campaign 2025.
