A groundbreaking advocacy engagement aimed at addressing the growing challenges of religious intolerance and fostering social cohesion was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Crispan Event Center, Jos. Organized by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Mensen Met een Missie (MM) under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), the event brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Plateau State.
The one-day program provided a platform for religious leaders, government representatives, policymakers, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to identify critical issues related to FoRB and develop strategies for action. It also served as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in fostering peaceful coexistence in a state marked by ethnic and religious diversity.
In her keynote address, Plateau State National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director, Kaneng T-Pam Hworo, stressed the need for interdependence among diverse groups. “No single tribe, religion, or organization can thrive in isolation. Christians depend on Muslims, Muslims depend on Christians, and both depend on traditional leaders and the government. Dialogue, education, and awareness campaigns are essential to achieving sustainable peace,” she said. Hworo commended JISRA’s efforts, describing the engagement as a vital avenue for fostering understanding and collaboration.
Tida Leo, representing CAFOD’s Acting Country Representative, emphasized FoRB as a cornerstone of peaceful and inclusive societies. “Freedom of Religion and Belief is more than a fundamental right; it is a foundation for thriving communities. When people are free to practice their faith without fear or discrimination, society benefits socially, economically, and spiritually,” she stated. She called on all stakeholders to prioritize reconciliation, mutual respect, and actionable steps toward building a peaceful Plateau State.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers, including Rev. Samuel Goro, Executive Director of the Center for Peace Advancement in Nigeria; Barr. Pukuma Uko Felix, Chief Legal Officer of the National Human Rights Commission in Jos; Haj. Amina Ahmed, Executive Director of Women Initiative for Sustainable Community Development; Sheikh Gazali Ismail Adam, Chief Imam of Jos; and Pastor Julius Arabo, Administrative Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The panelists examined the roles of religious institutions and government in promoting FoRB, managing diversity, and addressing challenges such as discrimination and hate speech. They also explored the need for policies that protect human rights and foster interfaith collaboration.
The event concluded with stakeholders signing commitment forms, symbolizing their dedication to promoting FoRB and peaceful coexistence. These commitments will guide actionable steps to reduce violence, enhance community dialogue, and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals in Plateau State.
Reuben Emmanuel, JISRA’s Lobby and Advocacy Officer, celebrated the event as a milestone in the journey toward religious harmony. “This engagement goes beyond discussions; it lays the groundwork for meaningful actions that will transform communities. Today’s commitments are a testament to the power of collective advocacy and action,” he remarked.
The Executive Director of Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM), in her remarks, outlined the significance of interreligious dialogue and scriptural studies in fostering mutual understanding. “We must move beyond tolerance to acceptance and genuine love for one another. This engagement creates an opportunity for communities to discuss issues affecting them and develop pathways to promote human rights, respect for life, and peaceful coexistence,” she said.
She further emphasized the importance of engaging with religious texts to bridge divides. “By understanding what the Bible and the Quran teach about forgiveness and reconciliation, we can address misconceptions and foster unity,” she added.
As the participants departed, the commitment to fostering justice, equality, and peace remained palpable. With government representatives, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community members united under a shared vision, the engagement marked a significant step toward creating a Plateau State where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a source of division.
CAFOD and its partners reaffirmed their dedication to supporting initiatives that foster unity and equality. The event highlighted that sustainable peace begins with individual actions and collective advocacy, setting a precedent for future engagements across the region.
The advocacy engagement underscored that achieving a harmonious society requires collaborative efforts from all sectors, reminding everyone present that sustainable peace is a shared responsibility.
