By AISHA GAMBO

Muslims and Christians on Sunday celebrated the 25th anniversary of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, demonstrating interfaith solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

The celebration attracted Muslim men, women and children from different communities, who joined members of the Church to mark the silver jubilee.

The General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Yohanna Buru, described the celebration as an opportunity to strengthen religious harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.

Buru, who is also a United Nations Peace Ambassador in Nigeria, said the Church deliberately invited its Muslim neighbours and friends to celebrate the milestone.

He said the gesture was aimed at strengthening existing relationships and demonstrating that people of different religious backgrounds could live together in peace.

The cleric expressed delight over the participation of Muslims, saying their presence reflected love, acceptance and mutual understanding across religious divides.

He said the Church remained open to people, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, cultural background or social status.

Buru appreciated the Muslim community for identifying with the Church and for joining in prayers for peace and unity in Nigeria.

He urged Muslims and Christians to recognise their shared humanity and work together.

According to him, both religions emphasise good conduct and accountability in the hereafter, making mutual respect, forgiveness and understanding important for peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, a Muslim representative, Malam Yusuf Zigo, congratulated the Church and its members on the anniversary.

Zigo described the celebration as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Muslims and Christians.

He said the Muslim delegation attended the event to celebrate with their Christian brothers and sisters and pray for peace, love and forgiveness.

The delegation also prayed for divine intervention to address insecurity affecting some communities and lasting peace and stability.

Team Leader of the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), Ibrahima Yakubu, commended the pastors and imams who participated in the celebration.

Yakubu described their participation as a demonstration of interfaith solidarity and urged religious leaders to sustain initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding.

He said bringing Muslims and Christians together during important religious and social occasions could strengthen trust, overcome prejudice and promote lasting peace.

He also urged religious leaders to use their influence to encourage tolerance and build bridges across communities. (NAN)