By Juliana Katung, Kaduna
Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria on Monday August 3, 2026, honoured a Muslim journalist for his outstanding contributions to peace journalism, interfaith dialogue, and conflict-sensitive reporting, a move the church leaders described as a symbol of religious tolerance and national unity.
The church which is based in Gbagyi Villa, Kaduna, presented the award to Ibrahima Yakubu, a correspondent with the DW Hausa Service, during a ceremony attended by religious leaders, journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the church.
Speaking at the event, the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, said the recognition marked the first time the ministry had presented such an award to a Muslim journalist, citing that Yakubu’s longstanding commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through balanced and responsible reporting cannot been ignore.
He said Yakubu’s work has consistently highlighted stories that encourage dialogue, religious tolerance, reconciliation, and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
“This award recognizes his professionalism, fairness, and dedication to using journalism as a tool for peacebuilding,”His reports have helped foster mutual respect and strengthened interfaith relations at a time when such efforts are greatly needed.”
Also speaking, the church’s Overseer, Reverend Dr. Maxual Sanda, described Yakubu as an outstanding journalist whose impact extends beyond news reporting and have over the time trained and mentored journalists on peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting, while producing numerous reports that promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration among faith-based organizations across Nigeria.
He said the journalist’s commitment to ethical reporting has contributed to raising public awareness on the importance of dialogue in preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion.
Adding that the journalist has been reporting peace and unity for a long period of time and hence the need to commend him and thank the German international radio and TV for providing such an opportunity for promoting peace and religious tolerance
Receiving the award, Yakubu expressed appreciation to the church for the recognition, describing it as a powerful demonstration of mutual respect between people of different faiths, noting that the honor would inspire him to continue reporting stories that promote peace, religious harmony, and national unity, while encouraging journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism.
The recognition comes amid continued efforts by religious and civil society organizations in Nigeria to strengthen interfaith cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence in communities affected by ethnic and religious tensions.
– New Nigerian Newspaper
