The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), hava called for the adoption of the Kaduna peace model as a strategic approach to promoting national unity and fostering religious harmony across the country.
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, made the call on Monday during the Kaduna inter-religious dialogue on peace, unity, and security committee meeting, held in commemoration of the two-year anniversary of the Governor Uba Sani-led administration, organised by the Kaduna state Bureau of Interfaith.
Rev. Hayab, who also serves as co-chairman of the committee, commended the Kaduna state government for implementing inclusive policies and promoting a culture of religious tolerance, describing the gains made so far as “a silent transformation” deserving national attention.
“Insecurity, mutual suspicion, and religious tension once defined Kaduna’s image. But today, we are witnessing significant progress under Governor Uba Sani, who has shown deliberate commitment to healing and inclusiveness,” he said.
He noted that incidents of communal clashes and banditry in the state have drastically reduced due to a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches deployed by the administration, alongside its policy of engaging all communities fairly.
Rev. Hayab also commended the governor’s symbolic participation in Christian events, including two consecutive Christmas Carol services, saying such gestures have gone a long way in restoring trust and reinforcing the spirit of belonging among the Christian community.
“Those actions, though symbolic, carried deep meaning. They reflected respect, recognition, and an intentional approach to unity. Today, Muslim and Christian youths in the state interact freely, while interfaith dialogue among religious leaders has gained stronger footing,” he stated.
He said Christian and Muslim mothers were no longer united by grief, mourning the loss of innocent children to senseless violence, noting that the government’s response to victims has become more empathetic and reflective of shared humanity.
While acknowledging the progress made, the CAN Chairman stressed that the journey to peace and genuine reconciliation remains ongoing, and urged the state government to consolidate its gains through sustained political will and fair governance.
“Peacebuilding is not an event; it is a continuous process. Kaduna has shown what is possible when leadership is guided by compassion and justice. We urge the Federal Government to understudy this model and replicate it in other parts of the country,” Hayab added.
He further urged religious leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society to remain committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s stability rests on collective effort and shared responsibility.