Religious Tolerance: Christian Clerics Donate Hundreds Of Kettle, Prayer Mat to Mosques

By Ibrahima Yakubu

Kaduna (Nigeria) – A team of Christian clerics in Kaduna, North-west Nigeria have donated hundreds of plastic kettles and prayer mats to some Mosque within the state metropolis in an effort to promote religious tolerance and strengthen peaceful coexistence among adherents of the different religion in the state.

The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, who leads the team said, their visitation and donation was aimed at boosting cordial relationship and encouraging religious tolerance between the two major religion in the country.

He said their target is to visit 30 Mosques, believing their action would make their followers learn how to live peacefully with one another and shun all forms of ethno-religious, political, socio-economic and communal crisis.

“We are targeting 30 mosques today to extend the hands of fellowship and friendship through our donation of praying materials and to interact with other top Islamic scholars on ways to strengthen peace and inter-faith- harmony. We are also using this platform to spread the message of forgiveness, love, tolerance, and understanding.”

According to him, the church cannot forget the donation of 50 copies of Bible it received from a group of Muslim women in February 2016 during the international Inter-faith week; saying, this is geared towards promoting religious tolerance.

Buru added that, “we are donating 50 plastic kettles and praying mats to each mosque we are visiting today. We all worship one God because we are from one family under God through Adams and Eve. Both the church and mosque are holy places of Worship of the Almighty father.”

“The Division of Kaduna state as a result of religious and political crisis is a total setback to peace and stability in the country; considering how the southern part is highly dominated by Christian’s settlers and the northern region dominated by majority Muslims. This has resulted to both mosques and churches now opening their own schools in their areas, making citizens see some other communities as the enemy’s zone – if this is not tackled now, it would surely cause a great damage to the future of the country” he lamented.

“The Muslims are our brothers and neighbors not enemies; we must join hands together to live in peace, and harmony because we all have Holy books (Qur’an and Bible) that teach us love and peace.”

In their separate remark, other members of the visiting team, pastor Joel Zigo and evangelist Jonathan called for unity between Muslims and Christian while emphasizing the need for religious scholars to redouble effort in teaching their followers the importance of dialogue, forgiveness and tolerance as key to ending communal and religious crisis.

Receiving the gift items at one of the mosque visited in Rigasa, Lawal Maduru expressed satisfaction over the donation and said, “It is a big surprise to Muslim Umma for a Christian to buy praying mat and plastics kettle for Muslim worshippers to be using.”

Also commending the effort of the Clerics, Sheik Abdullahi Ismail, pointed out that, “By God grace, with attitudes of this nature, peace has come to stay in Nigeria.” He however urged both Muslims and Christians to triple their effort in praying and fasting for the peace and unity of the country.

The Mats and prayer kettles were distributed to the physically challenged Mosque at Kano Road (Masallacin Nakasassu),Nigerian Union of Journalist Mosque, Umaru Gwamdu Malali Mosque, Rigasa Mosques, Unguwar Dosa, Kawo, Barnawa, and Barakallahu among others.

Group Sensitizes Over 100 Residents Of Kaduna On Importance Of Peace

Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) in its efforts at championing the cause of ‘One Family under God’ and promoting peaceful living among residents of Kaduna state in North-western Nigeria has sensitized over 100 persons in communities of Makarfi and Ikara Local government Areas of the State on the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the sensitization programme held recently in Makarfi, Northern Co-coordinator of GPFN, John Hayab, stressed that God in His wisdom has a purpose of making us belong to different religious belief and groups so that we may live together and respect each other’s differences.

A statement by the Media and Communications Officer of the Foundation, Richard Pius Garba, quoted Hayab to have said, “the ‘One Family Under God’ Campaign was created out of the desire to see that all human being irrespective of religion, race understands that we are descendants of Adam and Eve, which makes us members of one family in the eyes of God.

“The choice of these communities was not because there is crisis currently, but to further cements the existing peace and enlightens the people on the importance of recognizing each other’s differences.”

Also speaking at the event, Halliru Abdullahi Maraya, pointed out that Selfishness, ignorance and illiteracy are the major causes of violence in any society; hence, there is the need to enlighten the people on the dangers of religious crisis and tension as well as encourage brotherly love and dialogue in resolving issues.

In his remarks, Member representing Makarfi / Kudan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Mohammed Usman, appealed to Nigerians to embrace dialogue in resolving their differences rather than discord for an improved socio economic growth.

Participants both in Ikara and Makarfi LGAs applauded the foresight of GPFN, saying, the campaign was apt considering the way most people hysterically relate with their neighbors from different faiths. They however pledged to spread the message of peace and oneness to their immediate communities.

Religious Leaders Tasked On Redoubling Efforts In Preaching Peace, Unity

By Ibrahima Yakubu

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Religious leaders have been tasked on the need to redouble their efforts in teaching and preaching messages of peace, unity and tolerance among their followers to avoid religious crisis.

The Secretary General of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI), Khalid Aliyu, made the call when he received a Delegation of CAN Chairmen from the 19 northern states in Kaduna, North-west Nigeria.

According to him, the best way to tackle religious crisis is for religious leader to redouble effort in teaching and preaching the importance of peace, making their adherents understand the importance of Religious tolerance and respect for each other’s belief, saying, “this promotes love and brotherliness.”

He added that, visitations among religious leaders can also serve as an important key for the promotion of peace and societal integration.

In his remark, CAN Northern Chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pham, urged  both Christians and Muslims to shun all forms of ethno-religious and political crisis capable of disrupting the peace and stability in the north and country at large.

He tasked both religious leaders to promote the culture of teaching the real context of the holy books, emphasizing also the need for them to keep on praying for the nation.

International Day Of Families: Nigerian Politician Tasks Women On Forgiveness

Jos (Nigeria) — Commissioner for Women Affairs, in Plateau State, north central Nigeria, Rufina Gurumyen, has tasked women to adopt patience and forgiveness as virtues to ensure a happy and healthy relation in the family and the society in general.

“There can also be no future if the family does not adopt a healthy life style, we should concentrate on our youths and children to ensure they have that,” she said.

She made the call sunday in Jos, in an interview with AFRICA PRIME NEWS, marking the International Day of Families.

Gurumyen said the theme of the 2016 international day of families which is ‘families, healthy lives and sustainable future’ was an indication that the woman has the function of being patient with her family members in order to inculcate in them the importance of adopting healthy life styles.

“The theme of this year’s international of families is timely, a woman must be patient enough to inculcate to her family healthy living or life style, you cannot be productive without that.

She urged women to ensure that the fabric gluing the family should be enhanced so that a stable society devoid of social vices and instability is ensured.

Gurumyen explained that theme is also in tandem with the Goal 3 of the 2030 sustainable Development Agenda which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages.

She tasked women especially career mothers to always have a balance to take care of their family which is the foundation of every socialization process.

“When you adapt healthy lifestyle, you will age well and hardly encounter these health challenges linked with growing advance in age,” she said.

Nigerian Muslim Clerics Celebrate Easter With Christians To Promote Peaceful Coexistence

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) — In an effort to strengthen peaceful co-existence, inter -religious dialogue and Tolerance in Nigeria, a team of Muslim Clerics have joined their Christians brothers to celebrate the Easter season in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria.

The Muslims clerics also congratulated christians over the successful completion of the 40 days fasting and prayers, with a call on Almighty God to accept their prayers and bring peace and unity in Kaduna State, Nigeria and world over.

The clerics also visited founder of Peace Revival and Reconciliation Ministry in the country, Pastor Yohanna Buru to celebrate with him.

Nigerian authorities have declared Friday 25 and Monday 28 March as Public holidays throughout the country to enable christians celebrate Good Friday and Easter Monday with love ones.

Alaramma Abdulrahman Mohammad Bichi who led the Muslim delegation said the reasons for the visitation to christian scholars and preachers was to congratulate Christians world over on the successful completion of Forty days Lenten season.

“Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. The Lenten season is a time when many Christians observe a period of Fasting, Repentance, moderation, self-denial and spiritual discipline and the purpose for this is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ , his suffering, sacrifice, life, death and resurrection,” he said.

Alaramma Abdulrahman said during Muslims 30 days fasting period in holy month of Ramadan, “Pastor Yohanna Buru brought other christian brothers to join us in breaking fast at our Homes, Mosques and also attended Ramadan Tafsir lectures.

“We are here to extend our Goodwill messages and congratulations to all Christians world over and to wish them happy Easter celebrations. We also call on Federal and State governments to provide adequate security at churches, Parks, market, and social gathering areas in other to avert any means of security breach.

“Three Pillars of the lent are Almsgiving, prayer and daily fasting for Forty days and we are wishing them all the best of the completion of the season and happy Easter to all christians” he said.

Receiving the Muslim delegation, Pastor Yohanna Buru who is also the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessary Fellowship Ministry said Muslims and Christians must join hands to end all form of ethno-religious, political differences and pray for peace, unity and stability of the country.

He explained that religious leaders need to redouble effort in preaching peace and encouraging religious tolerance among their followers.

Pastor Buru said, every years, Christ Evangelical Ministry usually join muslim scholars in breaking their Ramadan and also join muslims in celebrating the Birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammad.

Syria War: US And Russia Agree New Truce ‘To Start At Weekend’

The US and Russia have agreed terms for a ceasefire in Syria beginning on Saturday but many questions remain over whether the agreement can be implemented on the ground.

The deal would in theory mean an end to fighting between the Syrian regime and all major opposition groups except for al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and the Islamic State (Isil).

The truce, which would begin at the stroke of midnight on Saturday, should also mean an end to Russian airstrikes against rebel forces.

However, news of the agreement was met with deep scepticism by observers of a conflict that has raged for five years and claimed around 300,000 lives.

John Kerry, the US secretary of state, announced plans for a similar ceasefire two weeks ago but its start date came and went without an end to the fighting.

The deal would allow Russia to continue bombing Isil and the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda group in Syria.

Britain and other Western governments have accused Russia of bombing rebel groups opposed to the Assad regime while claiming to be attacking the two jihadist groups.

“About 90 percent of Russian air strikes have been against the opposition, not against [Isil],” said a spokesman for the US-led coalition.

News of the peace deal could lead to an escalation of fighting as all sides scramble to take ground before the ceasefire takes hold.

“Expect a major intensification in fighting this week,” said Charles Lister, resident fellow at the Middle East Institute think tank.

curled from The Telegraph

Lent: Nigeria Muslim Clerics Task Christians On Prayers For Peace

By Ibrahima Yakubu

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Nigeria’s Muslim Clerics have called on Christians to redouble their efforts in prayers and Bible studies especially at the holy month for God’s blessings and intervention to challenges faced by Africa and the world in general regarding peace and stability.

The team of clerics from Kaduna, North-west Nigeria stated this when they visited the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru to wish Christians a successful lent period for 2016.

The visitation also was aimed at encouraging cleric-to-clerics visitation so as to further strengthen peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among Nigerians.

While congratulating Christians all over the world for the commencement of the 40 days fasting, leader of the team Alaramma Abdulrahman Bichi, described the lent period as ‘a very special and Holy period to all Christians’ as such, they have come to felicitate and wish them success from the start to the end of the lent.

He said, “Lent is the period of preparation for Holy Week and Easter; it’s a very importance seasons for dedication to worship the Lord; Some churches hold the custom of making ashes from the palm crosses of the previous year and, in the Ash Wednesday service, marking the foreheads of participants with ash, signifying a period of penitence – many churches also remove items that are colorful or ornate, or cover them over with cloths of a drab or purple color, both of which signify penitence.”

Bichi added that, “during our holy month of Ramadan, Many Christians clerics wished us success for our 30 days fasting; so we are also here to wish them same as brothers. We are from one family Adam and Eve, worshiping one God; we all believed in paradise and Hell, as well as believed on the day of resurrection. Therefore, lets us all keep on living in peace and harmony by learning to accommodate and tolerate each other so as to make our country great.”

While making his remarks, Pastor Yohanna Buru thanked the Muslim Cleric for their visit and said, during Ramadan period, they also identify with the Muslim fellows by joining to break their fast.

He said, “We have been doing that for many years. We have also visited Muslim scholars in their places of worship and have joined them in breaking their fast, all with the sole aims of promoting peace and religious tolerance.”

He further appealed to both Muslims and Christians to live in peace and embrace one another so as to make Nigeria a wonderful place to live.

Nigeria: Sultan Inaugurates Interfaith Board Of Peace And Reconciliation

By Longtong Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has inaugurated an eight man National governing Board of an interfaith Center for Documentation of Truth, Peace and Reconciliation in Kaduna recently.

Alhaji Abubakar while inaugurating the new Board members, said the peaceful coexistence between the Christians and Muslims is very paramount because without peace there will be no stability and development.

He noted that, “Nobody can come from anywhere to force peace on us, it is we that can enforce peace for ourselves. We would support any interfaith body that aims at building peace and making the country peaceful. This particular one is not doing away with other interfaith organizations; it stands on its own.”

The Sultan also admonished Nigerians to continue to work for peace and stability, noting that, it is the responsibility of all to ensure peaceful coexistence.

President Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Rev Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, in a remark said, the center will provide a platform for peaceful coexistence and reconciliations.

He called on board members to work in unity for the emancipation of the country while urging Nigerians to embrace one another irrespective of one’s religious affiliation

The formation of the Board was part of recommendations made by a joint delegation from the World Council of Churches and the Royal Ahl AL-Bayt Foundation three years ago as a result of the incessant Muslim Christian conflict in Nigeria.

The centre is created solely to document truth, promote peace and reconciliation, as well as addressing issues of trauma, conflict and peace building.

The Board members include; prof. D.O.S Noibi, Rev.Yusuf Ibrahim Wushishi, Dr. Khalid Abubarkar Aliyu, Cardinal John Onaigehan, Dr. Atiku Balarabe Zawiya, mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams, Rt Rev. Timothy Yahaya and Hajiya Aishat Ahmed Hassan.

Nigeria Commends South Sudan Peace Progress

Abuja (Nigeria) – Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed hope that the conflict in South Sudan may come to an end soon.

Osinbajo made the statement after signing as witness to a peace deal between South Sudan warring factions in Addis Ababa IGAD-PLUS summit.

“I am excited that this might be the end of the mystery that has engulfed South Sudan thus far,” Osinbajo said

Osinbanjo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the summit and spoke after a long drawn, last ditch diplomatic effort that produced an agreement initialed by the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit and fully signed by the leader of the warring faction of the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), former South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar.

Also, one of the key leaders of the ruling Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), Pagan Amum, signed the peace agreement, representing former political detainees in the South Sudanese conflict. While the South Sudan President is yet to fully sign the agreement, he has promised to conclude consultations on the power-sharing aspect of the agreement and then return to append his full signature very soon, expectedly within weeks.

Other aspects of the agreement fully endorsed include providing access for humanitarian assistance and the cessation of hostilities.

Nigeria’s Vice President was involved in the diplomatic talks that lasted at least two sessions in the Ethiopian capital under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development, IGAD with the addition of a number of other key African countries like Nigeria and international agencies including the African Union, the United Nations and the European Union.

According to Osinbanjo, while addressing the press in Addis Ababa, Nigeria and other stakeholders “should be justifiably proud of today’s achievement.”

He recalled Nigeria’s long standing commitment and involvement regarding Sudan, including the role the country played in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Darfur Peace Agreement and the eventual independence of South Sudan in 2011.

He explained that as a regional representative from West Africa and as a member of the African Union, Nigeria is an important member of the IGAD-Plus peace process that drew up the draft agreement.

Expressing the country’s concern alongside others in the IGAD-PLUS, Osinbajo said Nigeria is keen on finding a way to stop the killings, losses and sufferings of the people of South Sudan. He recalled that Nigeria knows how painful such an internal conflict as the one in South Sudan can be having passed through a similar traumatic experience, when the country was plunged into a civil war which lasted three gruesome years.

According to the Osinbanjo, the Addis Ababa suumit has indeed recorded “great progress, “with the fact that the rebel group, has signed the agreement and, the Government of South Sudan has also initialed the document, with the promise to return in fifteen days after consultation, to finalize its agreement.

The summit was hosted by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, who is the chairperson of IGAD-PLUS, and attended by African leaders, including presidents from Kenya, Uganda and Sudan. The United Nations was also represented by the deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, among other international agencies and Africa’s development partners.

Speaking about the agreement at the signing in Addis Ababa, African Union Chairperson, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma noted that while the final endorsement of the South Sudanese government was still being awaited, “we expect restoration of peace to begin now.” She stated that the guns should be silenced and expressed the hope that “we will no longer hear of th death of innocent people of South Sudan anymore.

Ramadan: Christian Cleric Feeds 700 Muslim Inmates, Disabled In Northern Nigeria

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru has led a team of Christians to Kaduna convict Prison where they distributed food items to Muslim inmates in the spirit of Ramadan.

The team also secured release of four Mus­lim inmates with minor cases from the prison to enable them fast with their family members and other Mus­lims.

Pastor Buru who also heads ‘Peace revival and reconciliation foundation of Nigeria’ appealed to “Muslims and Christians leaders in all the 36 states of Nigeria to live together in communities just like how they lived in the 80’s and early 90’s, without fighting and attacking each other in the name of religion.

“We are also calling on Religious leaders in the country to redouble effort in the fight against religious extremists, causing political instability and negative impact to national and international development of the country“

He stressed that in the spirit of Ramadan and as Peace Ambassadors they would do all it takes to promote peaceful coexistence among believers of the two major religions in the country.

“We held various peace events with our Muslim brothers for mutual understanding through the use of different sports, like endurance trekking and marathon competition. We want peace in Kaduna and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Pastor Buru had also visited a destitute home where he donated food and soft drinks and had a session of breaking of fast with them.

He said he did that to relieve them of the trouble of going out to beg to feed their families.

“We appeal to wealthy individuals, philanthropists and Government to always help the needy, most expecially orphans, widow, unemployed youth, elderly men, women with food and other items, so as to make life meaningful to them,” he said.

Pastor Buru also expressed dissatisfaction over the negative attitude of some Nigerian traders who increase prices of foodstuff during religions festivals.

The Christian leader later took another team of christians to breaking of fast with islamic scholars.

He called on Nigerians to pray for an end to Boko Haram insurgency, saying without peace the north and Nigeria will not move forward.