By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

In a remarkable display of religious harmony and unity, Christian leaders in Kaduna on Saturday, March 8, 2025, joined their Muslim counterparts to break the Ramadan fast together at the Masallacin Yan Doya Central Mosque.

This interfaith iftar, which has been a tradition for nearly two decades, continues to strengthen peace and coexistence among different faith communities in North-Western Nigeria.

Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, Team Leader and General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, emphasised that the initiative is designed to foster religious tolerance, love, forgiveness, and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“For the past 19 years, we have been leading Christian clerics to join Islamic scholars in their Ramadan iftar gatherings. This initiative is about strengthening good relationships, promoting peace, and fostering unity beyond Nigeria to other West African countries,” Pastor Buru stated.

The Interfaith iftar provided a platform for both religious groups to exchange goodwill messages and explore further ways to promote peace and interreligious dialogue. Pastor Buru was joined by Reverend Dr. Maxuel and other Christian clerics, who engaged in meaningful discussions with Islamic scholars at the mosque.

Reflecting on his commitment to interfaith engagement, Pastor Buru recalled past experiences of breaking fast with top Islamic leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. He reiterated that fostering peace and unity is a shared responsibility, stressing the need for religious leaders to work together for the stability of Nigeria.

“As we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, we encourage them to rededicate their lives to the worship of Allah and pray for peace across the country. This initiative also helps in countering religious extremism by building stronger friendships and understanding among different faiths,” he noted.

Beyond interfaith engagements, Pastor Buru has also been actively involved in supporting Muslim inmates during Ramadan, assisting them with bail to enable them to reunite with their families for the holy month.

Sheikh Ibrahim Kyauta, the Chief Imam of the Yan Doya Mosque, expressed his gratitude for the Christian delegation’s visit, acknowledging their commitment to peacebuilding and interfaith cooperation.

“We deeply appreciate Pastor Buru and his team for consistently joining us in breaking fast and strengthening relationships. These efforts have played a significant role in fostering peace, and we pray that God continues to bless him for his good intentions,” Sheikh Kyauta remarked.

The event concluded with a joint call for peace and unity, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic differences and work together for a more harmonious society.