World Peace Day: UN Award-Winning Pastor Honors Muslim-Christian Leaders in Kaduna
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In celebration of the 2024 International World Peace Day, UN Interfaith Harmony Week award recipient, Pastor Dr. Yuhanna Buru, honored monarchs and peace ambassadors in Kaduna for their dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence and tolerance in their communities.
Pastor Buru, who won the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week award in 2022, recognized leaders across Barnawa, Tudun Wada, and Kakuri Gwari/Makera in Kaduna South Local Government Area for their significant contributions to peacebuilding and unity. As the National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Pastor Buru underscored the importance of acknowledging citizens playing critical roles in maintaining harmony within their communities.
The awardees included the District Head of Barnawa, Alhaji Kabiru Zubairu, for his efforts in strengthening relationships between diverse religious and ethnic groups; Sarkin Gabas, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim, for advocating the establishment of a security outpost in Tudun Wada; and Mallam Yusuf Abbas of Kakuri Gwari/Makera for promoting peace and unity within their localities.
In his address, Pastor Buru emphasized the need for continued efforts to achieve lasting peace in Kaduna State. He called on all citizens to join hands in supporting peaceful coexistence, noting that community leaders like those honored are vital to this mission.
Upon receiving his award, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace and unity. Known for his work in steering youths away from drug abuse and other social vices, Alhaji Gambo has played a key role in establishing a security outpost in his community. He continues to engage residents on rejecting violence and fostering tolerance, particularly among youth and women in underprivileged areas.
Mallam Yusuf Abbas, Chairman of the Association of Peace Builders, also expressed his appreciation for the recognition. He highlighted the harmonious relationship between Christians and Muslims in Kakuri Gwari/Makera, where members work together to promote peace, particularly during festive periods such as Sallah, Christmas, and New Year.
“Today, I feel honored and happy with this award,” Abbas said. “I never expected such recognition for our work, but I am deeply grateful. This motivates me to do even more to promote peace in our community.”
Abbas urged other communities in Kaduna State to emulate the peaceful coexistence of Kakuri Gwari/Makera, stressing that sincerity and commitment were key to their success. He emphasized that many of their initiatives were carried out through personal resources and the goodwill of community members.
Also speaking at the event, Mallam Shuaibu Adamu, the Deputy Imam of Juma’at Central Mosque in Kakuri, praised the hard work, dedication, and sincerity of those involved in maintaining peace in the area. He noted that the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by Kakuri’s diverse religious and ethnic groups was the result of ongoing efforts to promote unity and tolerance.
