By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Ahead of the 2026 International Day of Peace, a delegation of Christian scholars led by the General Overseer of Christian Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna State, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, has engaged Islamic leaders in Kaduna in a fresh push for religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The delegation visited the national headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna as part of activities marking the United Nations International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
During the engagement, Pastor Buru said the visit was designed to exchange goodwill with Muslim scholars and deepen the longstanding relationship between Christian and Muslim communities in Northern Nigeria.
He said sustained interfaith dialogue remained important to building trust, promoting mutual understanding and addressing issues capable of creating tension among communities.
According to him, his organisation has lined up a week-long programme to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, including visits to hospitals, markets, schools, communities, stadiums and other public places.
He said the team would use the engagements to spread messages of peace, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Buru, who is a recipient of an international interfaith and harmony recognition in Jordan, said religious leaders had an important role to play in encouraging their followers to embrace dialogue and reject actions that could threaten peaceful relations.
He described the visit to the JNI headquarters as a significant component of the peace campaign, stressing that regular interaction between leaders of different faiths could help strengthen confidence and understanding.
The cleric disclosed that it was his second visit to the JNI headquarters to engage with the Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Aliyu, describing the continued interaction as part of efforts to consolidate Christian-Muslim relations.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Aliyu for receiving the delegation and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity.
The 2026 International Day of Peace is being marked under the theme: “Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
JNI Commends Peace Initiative
Responding, the Secretary-General of JNI, Professor Khalid Aliyu, welcomed the delegation and commended Pastor Buru for his sustained efforts towards promoting peace and unity across Northern Nigeria.
Aliyu also praised the young Christian clerics who accompanied the delegation, saying their participation demonstrated the importance of involving the younger generation in efforts to strengthen interfaith understanding.
He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful engagement in resolving disagreements, stressing that peaceful coexistence required the collective responsibility of citizens and religious leaders.
Delegation Meets Kaduna JNI Leadership
The delegation also visited the Kaduna State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, where it met with Imam Ilyasu Husaine, Murshid of the Kaduna State branch.
Husaine thanked Pastor Buru and members of the delegation for the visit, describing the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State and beyond.
He called on religious leaders to intensify prayers and peace advocacy, particularly as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
The JNI leader also urged citizens to reject political thuggery, drug abuse and other activities capable of threatening peace and security.
He further appealed to Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and support initiatives that promote national unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for people of different religious backgrounds.
The delegation said its peace campaign would continue with engagements involving citizens, religious leaders, communities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to encourage a culture of peace, tolerance and mutual respect across Nigeria.
