By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Ahead of the 2026 International Day of Peace, a delegation of Christian scholars led by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Christian Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna State, has visited the national headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations and promote peace, religious tolerance and national unity.
The delegation said the visit was part of activities planned ahead of the United Nations International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
Speaking during the visit, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru said the delegation came to the JNI headquarters to exchange goodwill messages with Islamic scholars and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria.
He said the visit was particularly aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, religious understanding and collaboration among people of different faiths.
Pastor Buru, who is a recipient of a United Nations World international Interfaith Week and Harmony recognition in Jordan by King Abdullah of Jordan, said his organisation had planned a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
According to him, the activities will include visits 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 described the visit to the JNI National Headquarters as an important part of the peace advocacy campaign, noting that engaging religious leaders from different faiths was essential to building trust and understanding within communities.
Pastor Buru said the visit was his second to the JNI headquarters to meet with the Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Aliyu, adding that the continued engagement was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Khalid Aliyu for receiving the delegation and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity.
The official theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace is “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Responding, the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Professor Khalid Aliyu, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended Pastor Dr. 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 also visit the state chapter of JNI where they meet Imam Ilyasu Husaine, the Murshid of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Kaduna State Branch,
he thanked Pastor Buru and his delegation for the visit which is aim at strengthen good relationship in the state and country at large
He called on religious leaders to intensify prayers and peace advocacy, particularly as the country prepares for future elections.
Imam Husaine urged citizens to reject political thuggery, drug abuse and other activities capable of undermining peace and security.
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.
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