Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has praised the unity and collaborative spirit shown by young people from different religious backgrounds during the recent protests against bad governance in Jos, the state capital. The governor made these remarks while inaugurating the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum, a new initiative created in partnership between Search for Common Ground and the Office of the Special Adviser on Religious Matters.
The Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum, which includes members from various youth-based organizations such as YOWICAN, NACOMYO, TEKAN, Sisters Fellowship, and Plateau Ethnic Youth Nationalities across all seventeen local governments of the state, was established following recommendations from the first Plateau Interfaith Dialogue (PID). This event, held in May 2024, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, youth and women leaders, persons with disabilities, and state actors such as security agencies. The dialogue aimed to foster meaningful conversations and encourage collaborative action among participants from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Governor Mutfwang expressed concern over religious intolerance, describing it as a threat even more severe than insurgency. He called on the youth to lead efforts to reintegrate segregated communities across Plateau State and urged them to reject divisive influences or attempts by selfish individuals to destabilize the state.
The governor also commended Search for Common Ground for its ongoing peacebuilding work in Plateau State and highlighted the potential of the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum to transform relationships among young people of different faiths.
Hajiya Fatima Abubakar, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, stated that the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum would complement existing peacebuilding initiatives in the state by providing a grassroots, youth-led approach to promoting peace and stability. She added that Search for Common Ground would offer technical support to the forum through training and capacity-building programs, using their Common Ground Approach to religious engagement and advocacy. This support will equip the youth with practical tools to engage in interfaith dialogue and foster understanding across religious boundaries.
