By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a renewed push for religious harmony, a delegation of Christian scholars led by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Christian Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna State, on Thursday paid a goodwill visit to the national headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations and advance peace, religious tolerance and national unity.
The visit, which took place ahead of the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace marked annually on September 21, was described by the delegation as part of broader activities designed to promote coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
Speaking during the engagement, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru said the delegation came to the JNI headquarters to exchange goodwill messages with Islamic scholars and to further consolidate the longstanding relationship between Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria.
He explained that the visit was specifically aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, religious understanding and collaboration among people of different faiths.
Pastor Buru, a recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition in Jordan presented by King Abdullah of Jordan, disclosed that his organization had lined up a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
According to him, the activities will include visits to hospitals, communities, 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 a critical component of the peace advocacy campaign, stressing that engaging religious leaders across faith divides was essential to building trust and understanding within communities.
The cleric noted that this was his second visit to the JNI headquarters to meet with the Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Aliyu, adding that the sustained engagement was intended to promote peaceful coexistence and deepen mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Pastor Buru expressed appreciation to Professor Khalid Aliyu for receiving the delegation and for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity across the country.
The official theme for the 2026 International Day of Peace is “Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
In his response, 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 lauded 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 effective ways of addressing disagreements and building a more united society.
The delegation later visited the Kaduna State chapter of JNI where they met Imam Ilyasu Husaine, the Murshid of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Kaduna State Branch.
Imam Husaine thanked Pastor Buru and his delegation for the visit, which he said was aimed at strengthening good relationships in the state and in the country at large.
He called on religious leaders to intensify prayers and peace advocacy, particularly as the country prepares for future elections.
The Murshid further urged citizens to reject political thuggery, drug abuse and other activities capable of undermining peace and security.
He also appealed to Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and to 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 ahead of the global observance.
