From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, Christian leaders across Northern Nigeria are extending Sallah goodwill messages to Islamic scholars and Muslims globally.
The initiative aims to strengthen religious tolerance, national unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, revealed that he has already dispatched over 1,000 congratulatory text and social media messages to Muslim contacts in Nigeria and abroad.
“I congratulate Muslims around the world. May this special day bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone,” Pastor Buru stated during an interview in Kaduna.
According to him, his greetings were extended to several prominent Islamic figures, including: Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (The Sultan of Sokoto), Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky
Sheik Ahmad Gumi, Sheik Salihu Mai Barota, and Alaramma Ibrahim Musa.
“Happy Sallah. Barka da Sallah. May the choicest blessings of Allah fill your life with joy and prosperity,” he said.
Pastor Buru acknowledged that this year’s festival arrives during a challenging economic climate, marked by a rising cost of living, security issues, and the devaluation of the Naira.
While sheep remain the traditional centerpiece of the festival—temporarily boosting business for roadside livestock traders—affordability remains a major concern.
In response, a joint Muslim-Christian peace team visited various Kaduna livestock markets over the weekend to greet traders and appeal for a reduction in ram prices to assist celebrating families.
Echoing these sentiments, Pastor George John has also been actively sending advance Sallah wishes to Muslims across the region to reinforce interfaith solidarity.
He said: “The aim is to strengthen brotherhood and remind ourselves that we are one family under God.
“May your sacrifices be accepted and your prayers answered by the Almighty. Have a blessed Eid al-Adha… Eid Mubarak.”
