A Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Yohanna Buru, has honoured a Muslim scholar, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Mai-Mota (Gwalli), for dedicating more than five decades to imparting Islamic knowledge and training over 10,000 almajiris.

Pastor Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, led a delegation of Christian clerics to Sheikh Usman’s school, where they presented him with an award in recognition of his contribution to Islamic education and community development.

Speaking, Buru said Sheikh Usman had spent more than 50 years teaching the Qur’an, Hadith, Tafsir, Arabic and other aspects of Islamic studies to children and youths from different parts of Northern Nigeria.

He said many of those who passed through the school had gone on to become Islamic scholars, Arabic teachers and lecturers in various schools, centres and institutions across the country.

Buru said the recognition was intended to encourage Usman to continue his efforts to educate young people despite his advancing age.

He described the scholar’s contribution as a significant service to humanity, stressing that individuals, who dedicate their lives to educating thousands of young people, deserve to be recognised and encouraged.

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He added that the recognition was part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen relationships between Muslims and Christians in the state.

Pastor Buru, who was recognised during the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2022, said Usman’s work had contributed to producing generations of Islamic teachers and scholars.

Also speaking, Pastor Emmanuel John described Sheikh Usman’s contribution as remarkable, saying his commitment to educating young people in Islamic knowledge has made a lasting impact.

He said the visit was not only to honour the scholar, but also to strengthen mutual respect and understanding between Christians and Muslims.

Responding, Sheikh Usman expressed gratitude to the Christian delegation for the honour, describing it as the first award he had received in his more than 50 years of teaching.

He said although he was now advancing in age, the recognition has renewed his commitment to continuing to educate young Muslims.

He thanked the Christian clerics for honouring him and prayed for God to bless them for their efforts to promote peace and understanding between the two faith communities.