by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Ahead of the United Nations International Day for Tolerance 2025, the 2022 International Interfaith Week and Harmony Award winner, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, has emphasized the need to respect – and protect – every citizen’s right to freedom of religion in Nigeria.
Pastor Dr. Buru made this call during a visit to some of his Muslim scholar friends in Kaduna, aimed at strengthening the relationship between Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith, as a means to promote peace and unity in the country.
“Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe,” he said.
Pastor Buru further explained that tolerance is more than passive acceptance; it carries the obligation to act, and must be taught, nurtured, and defended.
According to him, tolerance required investment by states in their people, through education, inclusion, and opportunity so as to build societies founded on respect for human rights, where fear, distrust, and marginalization are replaced by pluralism, participation, and mutual respect.
He called on all Nigerians to tolerate and accommodate one another, for the sake of peace and unity across the land, wishing everyone a Happy International Tolerance Day 2025.
“On the International Day of Tolerance, let us recognize the growing threat posed by those who seek to divide us, and let us pledge to forge a path defined by dialogue, social cohesion, and mutual understanding, love, forgiveness ,” he concluded.
In response, Mallam Gambo Abdullah Barnawa expressed his delight over Pastor Buru’s visit.
He praised the pastor’s efforts in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue in Nigeria, noting: “There are many things to learn from Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru when it comes to Peace-building in Nigeria.
“No wonder, that, King Abdullah of Jordan honored him with the title ‘African Peace Ambassador’ in 2022 due to his commitment on peace-building and promoting reconciliation and religious tolerance in Northern Nigeria.”
Mallam Gambo urged Muslims, Christians, and traditional religious leaders to preach peace, unity, and love for the nation, adding: “We must learn to love, tolerate, and accommodate one another to make Nigeria great. Let’s join hands to make Kaduna better.
“In Nigeria, there are several organizations that continue to advocate for religious freedom, including the Foundation for Religious Freedom (FRF), Search for Common Ground, Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF International), and Faith and Freedom Africa.
“These groups work to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief through legal support, public education, advocacy, and interfaith dialogue – helping to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence,” he stated.