From Rahila Abdullahi, Kaduna
As Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, the Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, has distributed food grains to over 1,000 Muslims, Tsangaya Islamic schools and Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.
The outreach, held at Kano Road Central Mosque, was led by the church’s General Overseer, Yohanna Buru, who said the initiative was designed to promote unity and support vulnerable communities during the 30-day fasting period.
According to Pastor Buru, the church had for the past 20 years, provided rice, maize and other essential food items to underprivileged Muslims and Tsangaya schools across the five northern states to enable them observe Ramadan with ease.
“Our goal is to ensure that the less privileged have enough food to fully participate in the fasting and prayer period. We also encourage them to pray for peace, stability and an end to insecurity and economic hardship in the country,” he said.
He added that beyond food distribution, the church annually donates prayer mats and plastic kettles to beneficiaries, and that this year, amid rising food prices and extreme heat conditions, he mobilised 50 volunteer pastors and imams for a seven-day advocacy campaign, engaging market traders on the need to reduce food prices during Ramadan.
Buru revealed that the church regularly supports Muslim inmates by facilitating bail processes to allow them observe Ramadan with their families.
He also acknowledged the philanthropic efforts of Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman known for supporting widows and orphans during Christmas and New Year celebrations, describing her actions as a reflection of mutual respect and religious tolerance.
In his remarks, the Murshid of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Imam Ilyasu commended Pastor Buru over what he described as a “giant stride” in promoting peaceful coexistence.
He called on wealthy Muslims to intensify the payment of Zakat to support the poor, especially during Ramadan.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Leader of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Kaduna State, Mallam Hassan Lawal expressed appreciation for the church’s continued support.
“The assistance always comes at a time of great need. We truly appreciate our Christian brothers and sisters for standing by us,” he said.
Similarly, Kaduna State Leader of the Visually Impaired Association, Mallam Tukur Zubairu noted that for two decades, the church has consistently remembered Muslims with food grains during Ramadan.
Also responding on behalf of Tsangaya Islamic schools, Imam Ibrahim Musa thanked Pastor Buru for the gesture and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture.
