Ahead of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), slated for 1st to 7th February 2025, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru led a delegation of Muslim and Christian leaders, along with traditional titleholders, on Monday, 27th January, to commend the Kaduna State Peace Commission for its significant efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance throughout the state.
World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) is a United Nations (UN) observance that takes place annually in the first week of February, to promote harmony and understanding between people of all faiths. Pastor Dr. Buru is the recipient of the 2022 United Nations World International Interfaith Week and Harmony Award.
Pastor Dr. Baru, on behalf of the delegation, praised both the Kaduna State Government and the Peace Commission for their dedication to strengthening unity and promoting peace within the state, highlighting the Commission’s 2024 report, which showed zero conflicts across the state—an impressive achievement.
He explained that the visit was to launch the 2025 International Interfaith Week and Harmony campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of promoting interreligious tolerance and fostering better understanding among different faith-based organizations in the state.
According to Pastor Dr. Baru, “The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform—one week each year—where interfaith groups and other goodwill organizations can showcase their powerful movements. The thousands of events organized by these groups often go unnoticed, not only by the public but also by the groups themselves. This week will allow these groups to become aware of each other, strengthening the movement by building ties and avoiding duplicated efforts.”
In his remarks, the former Chief Imam of Uduwa and current Morshid of Kaduna State Jama’atul Nasrul Islam, Imam Iliyasu Hussani, commended the Peace Commission for its key role in promoting interreligious tolerance and preventing conflicts among various communities in the state.
He noted, “The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour.’ This formula includes all people of goodwill—those of other faiths and those without faith.”
Imam Hussani acknowledged the Peace Commission’s consistent efforts in mediating peace and facilitating dialogue. He also urged all stakeholders involved in peacebuilding to work together with the Commission to further promote unity and peace in the state, with the call on both Muslim and Christian communities to continue praying for the ongoing peace and stability in Kaduna.
Responding, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadija Hawaja Gambo, expressed delight over the visit of the Christian and Muslim religious leaders and traditional titleholders.
She emphasized that the Commission is doing its utmost to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance across all the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). She added that the Commission is partnering with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and corporate organizations to promote unity in the state.
According to Hajiya Gambo, the Peace Commission is committed to ending all forms of violence that cause instability in the state and formerly launched the 2025 International Interfaith Week and Harmony campaign.
Meanwhile, the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) wishes everyone Happy International Interfaith Week and Harmony Campaign 2025.
