By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a remarkable demonstration of religious tolerance and national unity, a Christian church in Kaduna State has honoured a Muslim journalist for his outstanding contributions to peace journalism, interfaith dialogue and conflict-sensitive reporting.
The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, located in Gwagwaji Villa, Kaduna, conferred the award on Ibrahima Yakubu, a correspondent with DW Hausa Service, during a ceremony attended by religious leaders, journalists, civil society actors and members of the congregation.
Presenting the award, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, said the recognition was the first time the ministry had honoured a Muslim journalist, describing the gesture as a reflection of the church’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence among Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation.
Buru commended Yakubu for consistently using journalism to promote dialogue, religious tolerance, reconciliation and understanding among the country’s diverse ethnic and faith communities.
According to him, Yakubu’s balanced and responsible reporting has made significant contributions to strengthening interfaith relations and encouraging mutual respect.
> “This award is in recognition of his professionalism, fairness and unwavering commitment to using journalism as a vehicle for peacebuilding. His reports have continued to promote understanding and harmony at a time when the nation needs them most,” Buru said.
Also speaking, the church’s Overseer, Reverend Dr. Maxwell Sanda, described Yakubu as an accomplished journalist whose influence extends beyond the newsroom.
He noted that the award recipient has mentored journalists in peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting while producing numerous reports that advocate unity, peaceful coexistence and collaboration among faith-based organisations across Nigeria.
Sanda added that Yakubu’s ethical approach to journalism has helped raise public awareness on the importance of dialogue as a tool for preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion.
He further commended the journalist’s sustained commitment to reporting issues of peace and unity, while appreciating the German international broadcaster, DW, for providing a platform that supports content promoting religious tolerance and national harmony.
Responding, Yakubu expressed gratitude to the church for the honour, describing the recognition as a strong symbol of mutual respect and understanding between adherents of different faiths.
He pledged to remain committed to producing reports that encourage peace, religious harmony and national unity, while urging journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting.
The recognition comes as religious institutions and civil society organisations across Nigeria continue to intensify efforts to strengthen interfaith cooperation and foster peaceful coexistence in communities facing ethnic and religious challenges.
