Kaduna Church Honors Muslim Journalist for Peace Reporting, Calls It Symbol of National Unity

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

In a gesture church leaders described as a demonstration of religious tolerance and national unity, a Christian church in Northwestern Kaduna State has honored a Muslim journalist for his contributions to peace journalism, interfaith dialogue, and conflict-sensitive reporting.

The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, based in Gwagwaji Villa, Kaduna, presented the award to Ibrahima Yakubu, a correspondent with the DW Hausa Service. The ceremony was attended by religious leaders, journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the church.

Speaking at the event, the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, said the recognition marked the first time the ministry had presented such an award to a Muslim journalist. He cited Yakubu’s longstanding commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through balanced and responsible reporting.

According to Buru, Yakubu’s work has consistently highlighted stories that encourage dialogue, religious tolerance, reconciliation, and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.

“This award recognizes his professionalism, fairness, and dedication to using Journalism as a tool for peacebuilding,” Buru said. “His reports have helped foster mutual respect and strengthened interfaith relations at a time when such efforts are greatly needed.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, the church’s Overseer, Reverend Dr. Maxwell Sanda, described Yakubu as an outstanding journalist whose impact extends beyond news reporting.

Sanda said Yakubu has trained and mentored journalists on peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting. He added that the journalist has produced numerous reports that promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration among faith-based organizations across Nigeria.

He noted that Yakubu’s commitment to ethical reporting has contributed to raising public awareness on the importance of dialogue in preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion.

Sanda further stated that the journalist has been reporting on peace and unity for a long period of time, which informed the decision to commend him. He also thanked the German international radio and television broadcaster for providing the platform that enables such work in promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Receiving the award, Yakubu expressed appreciation to the church for the recognition. He described the honor as a powerful demonstration of mutual respect between people of different faiths.

He said the recognition would inspire him to continue reporting stories that promote peace, religious harmony, and national unity. He also urged journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism.

The recognition comes amid continued efforts by religious and civil society organizations in Nigeria to strengthen interfaith cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence in communities affected by ethnic and religious tensions.