Kaduna Church's Humanitarian Gesture Ahead of 2026 Ramadan
In a significant demonstration of interfaith solidarity, a Christian ministry based in Kaduna has conducted a humanitarian outreach to support Muslims in preparation for the 2026 Ramadan fasting period. The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, located in Sabon Tasha, distributed essential food items to over 1,000 beneficiaries, including Muslims, Islamic schools known as Tsangaya, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Strengthening Peace and Unity Through Generosity
The distribution event took place at the Kano Road Central Mosque in Kaduna on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Pastor (Dr) Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of the church, emphasized that this initiative is part of a long-standing commitment to fostering peace, unity, and mutual understanding in northern Nigeria. He explained that the church has maintained this tradition of supporting Muslims during Ramadan for approximately two decades, aiming to alleviate the burden on less privileged families and encourage prayers for national stability.
According to Pastor Buru, the outreach includes providing grains and other essential food items to enable beneficiaries to observe the fasting period without additional hardship. Beyond food, the church sometimes includes supplementary items such as prayer mats and household containers, while also encouraging recipients to pray for peace and an end to challenges like insecurity and inflation.
Addressing Economic and Environmental Challenges
The cleric highlighted the economic strain faced by many households, particularly as Ramadan approaches amid rising food prices. To address this, the church engaged volunteers, including pastors and imams, in a short campaign with traders to encourage price moderation in local markets. Additionally, Pastor Buru noted that the 2026 Ramadan period is expected to coincide with extremely hot weather conditions, which may further strain vulnerable groups.
Pastor Buru further revealed that the ministry has extended its support to Muslim prisoners in previous years, facilitating their reunion with families during Ramadan. He also commended Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman, for her annual support to widows and orphans during Christmas and New Year celebrations, underscoring the reciprocal nature of interfaith goodwill.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude and Call for More Support
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed deep appreciation for the timely gesture. Mallam Hassan Lawal, representing persons living with disabilities in Kaduna, thanked the church for its consistent support and urged wealthy Muslims to assist the less privileged during Ramadan to enable greater focus on prayers and devotion.
Similarly, Mallam Tukur Zubairu, speaking for the visually impaired community, acknowledged the church's continued outreach over the years. Imam Ibrahim Musa, representing Tsangaya Islamic schools, also appreciated the support and encouraged other well-meaning individuals to emulate this compassionate example.
Background on Ramadan 2026 Preparations
This humanitarian effort comes as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has directed Muslims nationwide to begin searching for the 2026 Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to 29 Sha'aban 1447 A.H. The directive was issued in a statement by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, highlighting the communal significance of the fasting season.
The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry's initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for religious harmony and collective action in addressing societal challenges, setting a precedent for interfaith cooperation in Nigeria.
