BY NONYELUM JULIET
Kaduna
As part of efforts to strengthen peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among the adherents of the two dominant faiths in Kaduna, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohana Buru on Tuesday led a delegation of Christians youths to join the Muslims in clearing the grasses at the Eid praying ground ahead of the upcoming Sallah celebration.
In Kasuwan Magani, the Christian youths, women as well as the elders came out in large numbers to participate in clearing unwarranted grasses which has grown as a result of rainy season.
Pastor Buru during an interview with journalists during the exercise said the initiative aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence, interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in Kaduna State.
“We came here to support our brothers towards cutting down the grass and to also clear the dirt in the mosque and its surrounding, with the aim of promoting peace and unity,” he said.
“The exercise enabled many Christians and Muslims to dialogue, exchange hand of friendship and talk on better ways to promote religious tolerance and better understanding among the adherents of the two religions.
“We hope to continue doing this every year to promote religious tolerance in the area”.
Responding, the Chief Imam Kajuru local government, Imam Akilu Mohammed expressed happiness over the efforts made by Christian pastors and youths in preparing the praying ground.
“This is not the first time our Christian brothers have helped us cut the grasses. They supported us last year in clearing the mosque premises, which has helped promote peace-building and religious tolerance in the region,” Imam Mohammed said.
He also noted that during a recent windstorm disaster that damaged churches and mosques, both communities visited each other and prayed for protection from further natural disasters.
Imam Mohammed thanked the Pastors who came to the mosque and prayed for continued peace and unity.
The team lead, Network of Peace Journalists, Ibrahima Yakubu commended Pastor Yohana Buru for promoting peaceful co-existence in the State.
