By Daniel Karlmax
Ahead of Peace Day, a delegation of Christian scholars led by Pastor Yohanna Buru has visited the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) headquarters in Kaduna to strengthen Interfaith relationship with a view to promoting peace, religious tolerance and national unity.
The team leader, and general Overseer of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna said the visit was part of activities planned ahead of the United Nations International Day of Peace observed on September 21 themed “Invest in Peace, For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The clergyman said, the visit was also to exchange goodwill messages with Islamic scholars and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, religious understanding and collaboration among people of different faiths for a united and prosperous nation.
The visit, according to him was part of activities lined up to mark the peace and harmony week, noting that it would be extended to hospitals and communities, as well as markets, schools, stadiums and other public places, where members of the team will share messages of peace, unity and religious tolerance.
He pointed further that, the event was an important part of the peace advocacy campaign, saying.engaging religious leaders from different faiths was essential to building trust and understanding within communities.
Responding, the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Professor Khalid Aliyu expressed appreciation for the visit and commended Pastor Yohanna Buru for his sustained efforts to promote peace and unity across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.
Professor Khalid also praised the young Christian clerics who accompanied Pastor Buru, describing their participation as an important contribution to strengthening interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence.
He called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful engagement as ways of addressing disagreements and building a more united society.
The Muslim leader called on religious leaders to intensify prayers and peace advocacy, particularly as the country prepares for future elections.
He further appealed to Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and support actions that promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The delegation said the planned activities would continue to encourage citizens, religious leaders, communities and other stakeholders to work together in building a culture of peace and tolerance.
Editing By Godwin Duru