In a remarkable display of interfaith solidarity, Muslim youths, women, and top Islamic scholars from several state in the North gathered with Christians at the 2025 Christmas service of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna.
The event, aimed at strengthening Christian-Muslim relations in the region, had attendees from all 19 Northern states coming together to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding.
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Yohanna Buru (Garkuwan Arewa) said that the participation of Muslims in the annual Christmas celebration has become a long-standing tradition. ‘This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians have gathered for this historic annual event, aimed at strengthening our relationship and fostering unity’, he said.
The Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church as symbols of love, friendship, and unity between the two faiths. ‘Their presence and gifts reflect our shared humanity and our commitment to living together in peace’, Dr. Buru added.
He noted that the celebration took place amid economic hardship, insecurity, rising food prices, poverty, and unemployment across the country, stressing that interfaith cooperation and prayers remain critical to national stability.
‘Over the past years, hundreds of Muslims have attended the church’s Christmas services annually, underscoring the growing strength of interreligious ties in Northern Nigeria’, he said.
He called on Christian and Muslim leaders to intensify prayers for peace and urged Nigerians to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in addressing security challenges threatening peaceful coexistence.
‘We are all children of Adam and Eve. We worship one God, have holy books, and believe in paradise and hell. These shared values should unite us’, he said.
Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota said that Muslims attended the service to celebrate with their Christian brothers and sisters, promote peace and unity, and encourage religious tolerance. ‘We came to strengthen our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christianity’, he said.
Imam Ibrahim Musa, an Islamic school leader from Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration and called on youths to support government efforts toward peace and unity.
The event featured speeches from various Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai of Kaduna and Mallam Lawal Maduru, who called for continuous prayers for peace, responsible use of social media, and warned youths against drug abuse in society.
Buru is a recipient of the 2022 United Nations World International Interfaith Harmony Week Award, presented by King Abdullah II of Jordan, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to peacebuilding.
