By: Murjanatu Abdullahi, Kaduna
The National President of the non-governmental organization (Peace Revival And Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria), Pastor Yohanna Buru, has embarked on a relentless campaign to promote peace, unity, and harmony among Nigerians. With over 250 ethnic groups coexisting in Nigeria, Buru believes that the nation’s example of integration can only be sustained through the cultivation of peace and unity.
As the world commemorates International Unity Week from June 17th-24th, 2023, Buru has intensified his efforts to raise awareness among the general public about the importance of these values. In an interview with journalists in Kaduna, he expressed the significance of the week-long celebration and emphasized its role in fostering understanding, religious tolerance, and community empowerment.
The campaign, led by Buru, aims to strengthen the relationships between Christians and Muslims in the state. He plans to utilize various media outlets, including radio, television, newspapers, bloggers, and social media, to mobilize Christian-Muslim scholars and traditional believers. The goal is to reach 50,000 Muslims and 50,000 Christians, spreading the message of peace, love, unity, and forgiveness.
Buru recognizes the rising wave of religious and ethnic conflicts plaguing the country and believes that unity is the remedy needed to address these challenges. He asserts that unity fosters cooperation, enthusiasm, belonging, and overall well-being. Amidst these pressing issues, he is mobilizing thousands of citizens through the media and social networks to promote peace and unity across all 36 states of Nigeria.
In his plea for national unity, Buru highlights the importance of collective efforts to combat Nigeria’s common enemies rather than fighting amongst themselves. He calls upon humanitarian NGOs, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Interfaith Mediation Center, and peace ambassadors to join the campaign and support the nation with prayers.
Mohammed Barnawa, a Muslim scholar, commends Pastor Yohanna for mobilizing a large number of Christians and Muslims scholars to participate in the campaign. He calls on the government to provide support to organizations that promote peace and unity in the country.
As Nigeria strives to harness its untapped resources, establish a strong national identity for future generations, and showcase itself positively on the global stage, unity is vital. The World Unity Week 2023 provides a platform for Nigerians to come together, overcome their differences, and strive for greatness as a nation.
