Ahead of the United Nations International Interfaith Harmony Week, scheduled for February 1–7, 2025, the Kaduna State Peace Commission has officially launched its campaign with a high-profile event led by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, a 2022 recipient of the UN World International Interfaith Harmony Award.
Pastor Buru, joined by a delegation of Muslim and Christian leaders as well as traditional titleholders, visited the Kaduna State Peace Commission on January 27, 2025, to commend its efforts in fostering peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance across the state.
During the event held at the Kaduna State House (General Hassan House), Pastor Buru expressed appreciation to the Commission and the Kaduna State government for their dedication to maintaining peace and unity.
He lauded the Commission’s 2024 milestone report, which recorded zero conflicts statewide, and emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in sustaining peace.
“This campaign seeks to promote interreligious tolerance and foster better understanding among various faith-based organizations,” Pastor Buru stated.
Adding that, “the World Interfaith Harmony Week provides an opportunity for interfaith groups to connect, collaborate, and showcase their efforts to the wider community, strengthening unity and goodwill.”
The event, as observed by WorldClass247News, also featured remarks from Imam Iliyasu Hussani, the former Chief Imam of Uduwa and current Morshid of Kaduna State Jama’atul Nasrul Islam. He praised the Peace Commission for its critical role in preventing conflicts and promoting religious harmony.
“The World Interfaith Harmony Week’s message—‘Love of God and Love of the Neighbor’—extends to all people of goodwill, irrespective of their faith or beliefs,” Imam Hussani said. “This initiative is a powerful reminder that unity and tolerance are essential for lasting peace.”
On her part, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadija Hawaja Gambo, expressed her appreciation for the visit and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence across Kaduna’s 23 local government areas.
She highlighted ongoing partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and corporate entities to ensure lasting peace in the state.
The campaign launch serves as a prelude to the globally recognized World Interfaith Harmony Week, an initiative first proposed at the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 by Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The week aims to strengthen interfaith dialogue and promote goodwill worldwide.