The Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) today launched the maiden edition of the Plateau Interfaith and Leadership Empowerment Summit, with a focus on empowering thousands of participants through vocational training and leadership development. Held at the Plateau Cultural Center in Jos, Plateau State, the event aimed to equip individuals from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds with skills to foster self-reliance and community growth.
According to Prophet Dr. Isa El-Buba, Convener of IBBN, the goal of the summit is to empower individuals by providing them with knowledge and skills that will help them become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building. “The first empowerment is enlightenment,” he said, emphasizing that Nigerians need to break free from the delusion and dependence on political handouts. “We want to ensure that when people are empowered, they can stand, run, and contribute to society.”
Despite the initial target of 1,000 participants, the summit saw attendance swell to nearly 10,000. El-Buba expressed confidence in managing the large turnout, noting the orderliness of the event and the commitment of the attendees. He added that the initiative aims to build a citizenry that can no longer be manipulated by political elites, stressing the importance of personal transformation and self-reliance.
Sheikh Uztaz Umar Farouq Muhammad, Deputy Imam of Fiber Mosque and National Director of IBBN, also spoke on the significance of the program in fostering unity. He highlighted that the initiative encourages people to view one another as equals, regardless of religious or cultural differences. “God created us to be one, like a building where each wall protects the other,” he said.
Mr. Ameh Kenneth Seidu, Country Director for Peace Corps Nigeria, stressed the importance of education, both formal and informal, as a tool for community enhancement. He called on young people to actively engage in socio-economic, political, and spiritual spheres, warning that disengagement could lead to challenges at local, sub-national, and national levels. “Thirdly, young people must be empowered through employment. Self-discovery is key; they must harness their talents and resources to create opportunities, rather than waiting for government jobs.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Amb. Tony Young Godswill, National Secretary of IBBN, highlighted the significance of the summit in promoting unity and empowerment. He called on private individuals, organizations, and the Plateau State Government to actively support the initiative.
The summit comes at a time of heightened social and political tensions in Nigeria, with IBBN leaders advocating for citizen engagement and empowerment as a means to bring about positive change in the nation.
