Several years ago, Kaduna State was torn apart by a violent religious crisis that saw churches and mosques destroyed and properties worth millions of Naira lost to the flames. This conflict fractured the once close-knit relationship between Christians and Muslims, who had previously lived side by side in peace and mutual respect.
Today, however, the residents of Kaduna State, once synonymous with persistent religious crises have chosen to walk the path of peace. A remarkable transformation is underway, one not fueled by protests or politics, but rooted in shared values, open hearts, and an unshakable belief that lasting peace is possible.
Kaduna, once scarred by the flames of religious conflict, is now emerging as a beacon of interfaith harmony. Christians and Muslims are coming together to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and chart a new course for the future. This positive change is no accident; it is the result of visionary leadership and bold initiatives such as ECWA Church’s ‘Friends Day,’ alongside the collective determination of communities that refuse to be defined by division.
Through acts of kindness, mutual respect, and open dialogue, walls of religious separation are being replaced by bridges , sending a powerful message: peace is not just desirable, it is achievable.
It is important to note that peaceful religious coexistence has also been reflected in Kaduna’s political landscape since the return to democracy in 1999. Traditionally, the governorship and deputy governorship positions have been shared between the two major religions, ensuring that if a Muslim holds the governor’s seat, the deputy is a Christian, and vice versa.
This power-sharing arrangement helped maintain religious balance in the state. However, this tradition was disrupted during the tenure of former governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, whose administration in 2019 widened religious divides in several ways.
Thankfully, the current governor, Senator Uba Sani, has been actively working to bridge these gaps, and his efforts are already yielding positive results by fostering greater unity and understanding between Muslims and Christians in Kaduna.
When discussing the religious crises that led to the burning of churches and mosques, one frequent target was the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) on Lemu Road in Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna South local government area. This pattern of violence persisted until over a decade ago, when Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu became the senior pastor of the church and introduced the now-celebrated ‘Friends Day.’ During this event, Muslim clerics, adherents, traditional leaders, neighbors, and political figures from both Christian and Muslim communities are invited to come together in fellowship.
They share meals and engage in open, honest conversations aimed at fostering unity and peace beyond religious divides. This annual event has continued without fail, complemented by the church’s ongoing tradition of donating food to Muslim neighbors during Ramadan. There is no doubt that these acts of goodwill have played a significant role in promoting peaceful religious coexistence in the community.
This year’s edition of the ‘Friends Day’ is not any different as it again brought together Muslims, Christians and political leaders to fellowship together in oneness. The event was marked by an atmosphere of reflection and mutual respect as leaders underscored the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amid diversities.
During the church service that lasted for about two hours, the senior pastor of ECWA Church, Lemu Road, Rev Joshua Nda Anyam, opened the service by reminding congregants of the enduring differences between communities but urged that these should never become barriers to peaceful coexistence.
He acknowledged that whether people like it or not, there will continue to be differences between religious worshippers. He, however, admonished that both Christians and Muslims must endeavour to maintain open doors for interactions to douse relational tensions and build bridges of trust, understanding and respect among all and sundry.
The senior pastor also called for sensitivity and empathy toward one another, emphasising the importance of embracing the golden rule, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Mathew 7:12). He stressed that this universal principle should guide all interactions, encouraging all faith adherents to pursue values that strengthen their oneness as a people under one God.
The pastor condemned acts by those who exploit religious differences for selfish interests, warning that such actions undermine the fragile peace enjoyed by communities.
A significant portion of his message focused on the urgent need to jointly condemn acts of desecration against religious scriptures, including the Qur’an and the Bible, which are held in high esteem by Muslims and Christians.
“The desecration of our religious texts is unacceptable and must not be condoned anywhere,” he said, calling on religious leaders and followers to impress upon government authorities their responsibility to protect lives, properties and ensure good governance.
He concluded by urging both Christians and Muslims to condemn any acts of violence, killings or destruction, regardless of which community is affected.
This year’s edition of the Friends Day also had in attendance Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani represented by his senior special assistant (SSA) on residents’ communities, Mr Ayokunle.
In his goodwill message, the governor described the occasion as a symbol of hope and what Kaduna State and Nigeria can truly become “when we rise above our differences and come together as one people under God. “A gathering where Christian worshippers and Muslim faithful sit together in mutual respect and fellowship is a bold and beautiful act of peace-building which sends a powerful message to our state, our nation and the world that faith should unite us, not divide us.”
The governor commended the leadership of ECWA for opening their hearts and doors to their Muslim neighbours, adding that their willingness to promote understanding and co-existence is worthy of emulation.
He also appreciated the Pantaker community and the Muslim residents who, for decades, have peacefully lived side-by-side with the church, saying, they all represent the true Kaduna spirit , resilient, diverse and peaceful.
He noted that since his assumption of office, his administration has championed a vision of inclusive and people-focused governance.
“Our administration does not see religion, tribe or background; it sees people , people with hopes, needs and rights.
“We have worked tirelessly to build a Kaduna that belongs to everyone,” he stressed.
The deputy speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon Henry Magaji Danjuma who was part of the celebration, commended the church for such a good initiative and called for its sustenance. For him, such coming together of Christians and Muslims under one roof is one that should be encouraged by all and the government.
He expressed his readiness to seeing to a legislature that would further support such gathering going forward, calling on other churches and mosques to once in a while bring their adherents together for more religious benefits and coexistence.
In his sermon, Rev (Dr) Yunusa Nmadu who initiated the Friends Day harped on the fact that only God can give genuine rest. He urged all and sundry to seek God in all things.
He emphasised that nobody, politician or government, can give true rest except God and urged everyone to seek rest from God at all times.
Also, the Hakimi of Tudun Wada, represented by Adamu Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Tudun Wada and the chairman of Pantaker traders and artisans, represented by Adamu Nasiru, among other speakers, underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
In their various speeches, they admitted that the Friends Day has yielded positive results and brought better understanding among the two religious adherents.
The coming together of both religious bodies in worship highlights the critical role of faith communities in fostering peaceful coexistence and a shared commitment to unity in Kaduna State and beyond.
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