World unity week 2023: Nigerian Cleric Embarks On Campaign For Peace, Harmony In Nigeria
By: Murjanatu Abdullahi, Kaduna
The National President of a non -governmental organization (Peace Revival And Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria) Pastor Yohanna Buru, has commenced a ceaseless campaign and awareness creations to the general public on the importance of promoting peace, unity and harmony among Nigerians.
He said that Nigeria as a country with over 250 ethnic groups, functioning together as one is an example of integration with peace, unity and harmony.
He made this call during an interview with Journalists in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria as the world marks international unity week, which begins 17th-24th June, 2023.
The founder of the NGO led a campaign of the week to some Muslims scholars in the state which is aimed at strengthening Christian and Muslims relationships throughout the week .
According to the founder of the NGO who led a campaign of the week to some Muslim scholars in the state, said the importance of the whole week toward peace building can not be over emphasized in view of the various role peace and unity play in our daily lives.
The one week long celebration, provides a golden opportunity for Christians and Muslims with other religious and traditional leaders to meet, interact and deliberate on issues related to religious tolerance, better understanding, peace building and new ways of empowering communities and groups with different skills to resist activities related to violent extremism, gangsterism, cultism and other unlawful acts that affect peace stability in the country.
According to him, they are going to use Radio, Stream, Television, Newspapers, bloggers and Social media to mobilise more Christian-Muslim scholars and other traditional believers to use the world unity week in enlightening people on the need to sustain peace, love, unity and forgiveness.
“Our target is to communicate with 50,000 Muslims/50,000 Christians through the media to use the week in spreading the message of peace, love, and forgiveness.
Buru pointed that, With the rising spate of religious and ethnic conflicts overwhelming the country, embracing unity seems to be the logical remedy needed to right these wrongs and help us find our rhythm, that once defined us as a nation.
Stressing that Unity creates the experience of cooperation, increases enthusiasm for the task and makes the atmosphere empowering, creates a sense of belonging and increases well-being for all.
This year 2023 world unity week comes amidst challenges affecting peace stability in the country, we therefore, mobilizes thousands of citizens through the media and social network to promote peace and unity across the 36 states of Nigeria.
For the Development of any Nation, Unity will help us harness untapped resources; create a place called home for our young generation; put Nigeria on global stage for good reasons and inspire a spirit of greatness”. Buru said
Buru Added that, Nigeria needs unity today. ”We can become a better nation if we sheathe our swords to fight a common enemy, other than ourselves by joining hands toward making this country great.”
Buru then called on all humanitarian NGOs concerned civil society of Nigerian, Nigerian union of journalists, Interfaith Mediation Center, peace ambassadors to equally join the campaign and support the nation with prayers.
Mohammed Barnawa, appreciated Pastor Yohanna for mobilising large number of Christians and Muslims scholars to join the campaigns
He called on government to always support groups or organizations that promotes peace and unity in the country.
Olusola Akintonde
