The Inclusive Religious Engagement in Nigeria Enhanced by Women (I-RENEW) project has officially concluded with a knowledge-sharing event that highlighted its significant achievements in promoting religious tolerance and peacebuilding through the active involvement of women and youth in Plateau and Kaduna States.
Funded by the European Union, the 30-month project was implemented by Search for Common Ground in collaboration with the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre.
In her opening address, Mrs. Gift Omoniwa, Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, described I-RENEW as a transformative initiative that addressed the long-standing exclusion of women and youth from religious dialogue and peacebuilding efforts.
“We are proud of the transformation we’ve witnessed,” she stated. “From the establishment of the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum to rebuilding homes and installing solar lights, this project has delivered practical, life-changing results.”
She emphasized that the structures and partnerships built during the project have already attracted government support and are poised for long-term sustainability.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), represented by Dr. Nantip Joseph, commended I-RENEW for its inclusive, people-centered design.
“I-RENEW may come and go, but the value addition remains,” she said, encouraging stakeholders to continue leveraging the platforms and tools developed to foster peace and coexistence.
Among the key outcomes, she noted the training of the Inter-Religious Advisory Council, development of policy briefs, and empowerment of youth platforms such as the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum.
PPBA, she said, is committed to sustaining partnerships that enhance conflict sensitivity and promote religious harmony across Plateau and Kaduna States.
Ruben Alba, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated the European Union’s support for peace and development.
“We want to showcase that it is possible to live in peace—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or livelihood,” he said. “The EU believes in Nigeria’s potential and remains invested in community-driven, sustainable peacebuilding.”
Project Manager Williams Ubimago described the close-out event as a moment of reflection and celebration.
“This is a Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) project that empowered women, youth, and religious leaders to amplify voices that foster respect and understanding across faiths,” he said.
Project deliverables presented at the event included:
- Youth-Gender FoRB Analysis
- University Sensitization Pamphlets
- Policy Briefs for Plateau and Kaduna
- Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum Framework
- Project Scorecard
- Booklet of Success Stories
Fatima Aliyu, a participant from Kaduna State, shared that the project transformed community attitudes through inclusive activities such as interfaith football matches and infrastructure development.
“Whether or not there’s funding, the passion for peace must continue,” she declared.
Similarly, Blessing Lubo from Plateau State reflected on her growth through the program:
“I’ve moved from sympathy to empathy, from mere tolerance to truly respecting other religions,” she said, pledging to champion freedom of religion and belief in her community.
As the curtains draw on I-RENEW, its legacy of grassroots interfaith engagement, youth and women empowerment, and policy influence continues to serve as a model for peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria and beyond.
