by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A few days the after the massive distribution of foodstuffs to over 1000 less-privileged Muslims in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, has again doled out bags of grains to Muslim and Christian journalists in the state for 2023 Ramadan and Lenten period.
“The church cannot forget the annual contributions of a Muslim woman, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, for assisting Christian widows and orphans during Christmas, New Year and Easter celebrations with new clothes, wrappers and cash for the festivities cerebration,” he said.
According to Buru during the distribution of the grains on Friday, both Muslims and Christians are fasting at this season and, hence the need to strengthen them with foodstuffs in promoting peace building through stories-related to peace journalism in the country.
It’s really a thing for joy that both the Ramadan and Lenten season have joined Muslims and Christians together to use the Holy months in praying and fasting for peace and unity in the country,” he said.
He also said, journalists are like any other human beings on earth: they need support, care, love; and that is why they bought them these grains of foodstuffs to encourage them to have food throughout the month.
Pastor Buru also added that, “Christians are also doing their lent at this season, which is going to last for 40 days, while Muslims are doing their Ramadan fasting that would last for 30 days.
“Fasting and praying has joined us to be more committed towards using the season seeking for God’s forgiveness and guidance,” he noted, adding that, “Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement and compassion towards others; and we pray that this month may be a time of peace and joy within your community.
As we enter this Holy month, we recognise this is also a time to reflect on our collective responsibility towards creating a better world for all. This year, we encourage you to practice patience, kindness, and generosity towards those around us and focus on celebrating peace, people, and the planet.
“Let us strive to make a positive impact in our communities and stand in solidarity with our global communities of faith and harmony, irrespective of our tribe, culture, religion, race, regions for peace and stability in the country.
“Together, we can make a difference and provide hope for a brighter future of Nigeria. We must remember that we are one family under God. We all worship one God. We both have Holy Scriptures: Bible and the Qur’an. We all believe in paradise and hell,” he said.
Responding, two of the journalists that received the gift, Mohammed Sabiu and Andrew Mshelia, expressed satisfaction, and called on wealthy individuals to always “emulate the gesture during a season like this.”
“This year, Ramadan comes amidst of high cost of living, due to scarcity of naira notes across the country,” they said, appealing to State Governments to create an opportunity for massive employment to reduce idleness and laziness among youths across the country.
