By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A humanitarian non-governmental organisation has hosted an interfaith New Year meal in Southern Kaduna to promote peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and social cohesion among Christian and Muslim communities in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria.The event, held to mark the beginning of 2026, was organised by the Yakwai Human Touch Foundation in Rido community, Chikun Local Government Area, bringing together women and youths from both faiths for dialogue, fellowship, and prayers for peace.
Speaking at the gathering, the Founder and Director of the foundation, Madam Elizabeth David Hassan, said the interfaith New Year meal was designed to strengthen relationships across religious divides and foster mutual understanding among grassroots communities. She explained that the annual initiative provides a platform for Christians and Muslims to share a common table, exchange goodwill messages, and jointly pray for peace, stability, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria.“Every New Year’s Day, we intentionally bring Muslim and Christian women and youths together to deepen interfaith relationships and strengthen community bonds,” she said. “This approach has helped unite women across religious lines to work collectively for peace.”
Madam Elizabeth noted that special prayers were offered during the event for harmony, security, and economic progress, stressing that peace remains a prerequisite for sustainable development in the state.She added that one of the core objectives of Yakwai Human Touch Foundation is to improve the wellbeing of women, youths, and vulnerable children, particularly in rural communities affected by social and economic challenges.
According to her, the 2026 interfaith New Year meal in Southern Kaduna also served as a round-table forum where women discussed practical ways to promote tolerance, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence at the community level.Environmental issues featured prominently in the discussions, with participants examining the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on rural livelihoods, especially those of women.
Madam Elizabeth urged participants to support environmental protection initiatives by planting trees to curb flooding and reduce plastic pollution, which she described as growing threats to rural communities. She also encouraged women to embrace skills acquisition and small-scale economic activities to boost household income and reduce over-dependence on their spouses, noting that economic empowerment is critical to poverty reduction. “We organise this interfaith New Year meal to promote peace, unity, and shared responsibility,” she said. “We are one family under God, and it is important to celebrate the New Year together and pray for a better future.”
Ine of the participants, Hajiya Halima Haruna from Maraban Rido community, described the initiative as a long-standing tradition that has strengthened friendships among women across communities. She said participants often travel long distances each year to attend the event, exchange goodwill messages, and reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence.Hajiya Halima added that the foundation has consistently trained women on peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies, contributing to improved community relations. Meals including rice, beans, tuwo, and soft drinks were shared during the event as symbols of unity and togetherness.
Also speaking, Honourable Shadrack David Hassan, a project coordinator in Rido community, praised the role of women in peacebuilding efforts across Kaduna State.He said the organisation has played a significant role in sensitising rural women on self-reliance, skills acquisition, and peaceful engagement, while offering prayers for lasting peace and stability in the state and the country.
