Muslims and Christians have celebrated the 25th anniversary of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, in a demonstration of interfaith solidarity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The silver jubilee celebration, held on Sunday, November 8, attracted Muslim men, women and children from different communities, who joined members of the church to commemorate the milestone and strengthen relationships across religious divides.
The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Yohanna Buru, described the gathering as an opportunity to promote religious harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.
Buru, who is also a United Nations Peace Ambassador in Nigeria, said the church deliberately invited its Muslim neighbours and friends to participate in the anniversary as part of efforts to strengthen existing relationships.
He expressed delight over their participation, describing it as evidence that people of different religious backgrounds could maintain meaningful relationships and celebrate important occasions together.
The cleric maintained that the church remained open to everyone, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, cultural background or social status.
He also appreciated the Muslim community for identifying with the church and joining in prayers for peace and national unity.
According to him, Muslims and Christians share common values, including good conduct and accountability in the hereafter, which should encourage adherents to embrace forgiveness, understanding and mutual respect.
A Muslim representative, Malam Yusuf Zigo, congratulated the church and its members on reaching the 25-year milestone.
Zigo described the anniversary as an opportunity to deepen the longstanding relationship between the two religious communities.
He said the Muslim delegation attended to celebrate with their Christian brothers and sisters while offering prayers for peace, love and forgiveness.
The delegation also prayed for divine intervention to address insecurity affecting communities and restore lasting peace and stability.
Team Leader of the Network of Peace Journalists, Ibrahima Yakubu, commended the pastors and imams who participated in the celebration.
Yakubu described their presence as a practical demonstration of interfaith solidarity, urging religious leaders to sustain initiatives that encourage dialogue and understanding among their followers.
He noted that bringing Muslims and Christians together during important religious and social occasions could strengthen trust, overcome prejudice and promote lasting peace.
The peace journalist also urged religious leaders to use their positions and influence to encourage tolerance and build bridges across communities.
The anniversary comes against the background of continuing efforts by religious leaders and community organisations in Kaduna to strengthen relationships between Muslims and Christians.
Pastor Buru has previously led Christian delegations to Muslim religious celebrations in Kaduna, including Eid-el-Kabir prayers, as part of initiatives to encourage interfaith engagement.
In May 2026, he led Christian clerics to the Eid-el-Kabir praying ground at Murtala Mohammed Square, where he called for religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The church has also sustained Ramadan outreach programmes involving the distribution of food items to underprivileged Muslims and Islamic schools.
The latest anniversary celebration provided another opportunity for members of the two religious communities to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
