Muslim faithful and top Islamic scholars from across the North joined Christians for a Christmas Day service in Kaduna.
This marked the 15th consecutive year of a grassroot interfaith tradition that has become a vital counter-narrative to division, emphasizing shared values and collective prayer for a nation facing economic and security trials.
The Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry was filled with the spirit of Christmas—and Muslim Women in hijabs sat alongside congregants as young Muslim men listened to hymns and sermons celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ (Isa in Islam).
The General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru—a recipient of a UN Interfaith Harmony Award—told Voice of Nigeria that this was no isolated event, but a deepening tradition with attendees from across 19 Northern states of Nigeria.
“This gathering is a conscious project for peace,” Pastor Buru stated.
“For 15 years, we have shown that our shared belief in one God, our sacred books, and our hope for paradise are stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.”
The Muslim delegations,representing different Islamic denominations presented gifts to the church as symbols of fellowship.
Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota, an Islamic scholar who attended, was unequivocal about their purpose: “We are here to celebrate with our brothers and sisters. Our presence is a sermon—a call for tolerance and a directive to our youth to shun violence and the poison of fake news.”
Imam Ibrahim Musa from Kaduna’s Igabi area highlighted the reciprocal nature of the relationship.
“Just as we are here for Christmas, our Christian neighbours visit us during Maulud celebrations. This is the Nigerian spirit we must protect and grow.”
Speakers from both faiths framed interfaith cooperation not as a luxury, but as a critical pillar for national stability.
Pastor Buru made a direct appeal to Nigerians of government efforts in the fight against insecurity in the country.
“We call on all Nigerians to support our military and security agencies. Peace begins here, with us, choosing to see a brother or sister before seeing a religion.”
The service concluded with joint prayers for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity as the mixed congregation filed out, exchanging handshakes and seasonal greetings,
The event which stood as a living blueprint demonstrated that in the heart of a region often stereotyped by division, a sustained, simple act of shared worship can become one of the nation’s most compelling stories of unity.