In a significant development towards achieving a peaceful coexistence among religious on the Plateau and the country at large, Search for Common Ground partners with the Plateau State Government to host Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue which aims at moving “TOWARDS INCLUSIVE AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITIES”.
Plateau Interfaith Dialogue 2024 held at the prestigious Yakubu Gowon Hall, Crispan Hotel and event center in Jos, Plateau State.
Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, The Country Director, Search for Common Ground highlighted that the dialogue represents a crucial opportunity for leaders and members to come together to promote understanding, cooperation and coexistence.
She pointed out that about 87% of Nigeria are identify as people of faith. This means that faith has a profound identity and that a lot of people could work through as a priority.
Mrs Abubakar noted that “Over the years, we’ve observed how faith or religion, when wielded negatively, can breed mistrust, suspicion, and even violence. Conversely, it can foster cooperation towards our shared goals. It’s crucial to acknowledge that societies are diverse, comprising men, women, children, and youth, each experiencing the impact of faith differently.”
Mrs. Abubakar suggests incorporating diverse perspectives and community-driven interventions in dialogues to promote inclusion, peaceful communities, and respect for individuals with mental illness.
She stated that; “let’s consider various democratic models and devise recommendations to ensure everyone’s inclusion. Harnessing diverse perspectives and interventions at different levels of engagement is key to building peaceful communities that respect individuals with mental illness. Community-driven interventions are particularly effective and sustainable, especially when catering to vulnerable populations.”
The program emphasizes the importance of inclusive communities for sustainable peace and development. It uses diverse perspectives and interventions to build peaceful communities, respecting individuals with mental illness. The IRIHAN project explores women’s role in promoting freedom of religion.
His Royal Highness, Dr. Mohammadu Sambo Haruna, The Emir of Wase and Chairman Jama’tul Nasri Islam (JNI) of Plateau State preaches peace, love and harmony on his keynote address to the Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue.
The Emir addressed the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Plateau State, emphasizing the need for reform and challenging future leaders to evaluate the legacy of violence and division.
The Emir, based on Quran and Bible teachings, emphasized love and compassion, addressing religious leaders’ failure to uphold these principles, urging a return to peace and coexistence, aligning actions with religious teachings.
Furthermore, The Emir advocated for constructive dialogue and collaboration to address conflict and suffering, urging policy reviews and community-driven initiatives to foster reconciliation and rebuild trust. He emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue for a harmonious future.
Reverend Stephen Dangana, The Special Adviser on Religious affairs to Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau, emphasizes the importance of recognizing that verses from religious texts, such as those from Islam, are not inherently divisive in terms of religion or ethnicity.
However, he acknowledges that in practice, interpretations of these verses often take on ethnic or religious dimensions, leading to conflict. He urges individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations, to repent and work towards unity, acknowledging that differences have been exploited to create divisions among communities.
His message underscores the need for reconciliation and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
The Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue’s panel discussion on the role of state and non-state actors in promoting freedom of religion and beliefs (FORBs) promises a rich exploration of a crucial societal issue. With Hon. Monday Nyam Ajiya, Special Adviser on Peacebuilding, Amb. Salis Mohammed, Executive Director of Face of Peace, Amb. Justina Nwogbia, Executive Director of the Justice Peace Reconciliation Movement, and Sakila Dasa, Temple President/Vice Chairman of the National Council Krishna Movement, Moderated by Godwin Okoko and Zeno-Obong, the dialogue is poised to offer diverse perspectives and insights. The panelists’ varied backgrounds, ranging from governmental roles to civil society organizations and religious institutions, reflect the multi-dimensional nature of this discourse, highlighting the complex interplay between governance, activism, and faith in safeguarding individuals’ rights to religious freedom.
The discussion will explore the responsibilities of state and non-state actors in protecting FORBs, assessing legal frameworks, addressing religious minorities’ challenges, and proposing inclusive societies. The goal is to identify improvement areas and inspire collaborative action.
The second panel discussion at the Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue focuses on the pivotal role of youth in promoting religious harmony within their communities. Led by Barr. Panmak Mark Lere, President of YOWICAN (Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria), Yahaya Ali Ali of NACOMYO (National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations), Blessing Lubo representing I-RENEW Cohort, and Ustaz Farouk of FIBER MOSQUE Jos, the panel brings together young leaders from diverse religious backgrounds to examine the proactive measures youth can take to foster understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different faith communities. Moderated by Matthew Tegha and Suchet Musa, the discussion is expected to be dynamic and engaging, showcasing innovative approaches and grassroots initiatives spearheaded by youth to bridge religious divides.
The panel explored the proactive role of youth in promoting religious harmony within their communities. Led by representatives from various religious youth organizations, the discussion emphasized empowering young people to bridge religious divides through education, dialogue, community service, and social media activism. By showcasing successful youth-led initiatives, the panel aimed to inspire others to actively contribute to building inclusive and peaceful societies where religious diversity is celebrated.
