Christian-Muslim Harmony on Display as Clerics Send Eid-el-Kabir Greetings in Kaduna

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

As the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration draws near, Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria have intensified efforts to promote peace, unity, and religious tolerance by sending Sallah goodwill messages to prominent Islamic scholars and Muslims across the world.

The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, congratulated Muslims worldwide on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, describing it as an opportunity to reinforce bonds of brotherhood between Christians and Muslims.

“I congratulate Muslims around the world. May this special day bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone,” Pastor Buru said.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Kaduna, the cleric stated that he had commenced sending congratulatory messages through social media platforms to his Muslim friends, both online and offline, with the aim of fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity.

According to him, he has sent over 1,000 text messages to his Muslim friends within Nigeria and in the diaspora ahead of the festival.

Pastor Buru observed that this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration is coming at a time of rising living costs, persistent security challenges, and the continued devaluation of the Naira. He explained that sheep remain the most sought-after animals for the festival, noting that the Sallah season usually creates increased business opportunities for roadside livestock traders across Nigeria.

As part of his goodwill gestures, the pastor extended Eid greetings to several leading Islamic figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi; Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky; Sheikh Ahmad Gumi; Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota; and Alaramma Ibrahim Musa.

He prayed for peace, progress, long life, and prosperity for Muslims and their families during the celebration.

“Happy Sallah. Barka da Sallah. May the choicest blessings of Allah fill your life with joy and prosperity, and may the bluebird of happiness always fly over you,” he said.

Pastor Buru further disclosed that a joint Muslim-Christian peace team visited several livestock markets in Kaduna over the weekend to extend seasonal greetings to traders and to appeal for a reduction in the prices of rams and other animals, in order to make them more affordable for the Sallah celebration.

In a similar move, Pastor George John said he had also begun sending Sallah goodwill messages to his Muslim brothers across Northern Nigeria.

“The aim is to strengthen brotherhood and remind ourselves that we are one family under God,” he stated.

Pastor George wished Muslims around the world a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration in advance, praying that God would bless them and their loved ones with peace, prosperity, and happiness on the auspicious occasion.

“May your sacrifices be accepted and your prayers answered by the Almighty. Have a blessed Eid-ul-Adha. May the divine blessings of Allah fill your homes and hearts with joy and open new opportunities for success. Eid Mubarak,” he added.

The outreach by the Christian leaders comes as part of ongoing interfaith initiatives aimed at reducing religious tension and promoting mutual understanding in the region during the festive season.