The 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance, organised by UFUK Dialogue in collaboration with leading interfaith and peace-building institutions, held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Crispan Hotel’s Gowon Hall, Jos, Plateau State, with a strong call for Nigerians to embrace unity, trust, and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly polarized world.
Themed “Bridging Divides – Building Trust in a Polarized World,” the event was powered by UFUK Dialogue in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), African Society of Nigeria for Tolerance and Coexistence (ASNTC), AANDEC, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).
UFUK Dialogue President: ‘If Peace Works in Nigeria, It Can Work Anywhere in the World’
In his welcome address, Mr. Emrah Ilgen, President of UFUK Dialogue, said the organisation—established in Abuja in 2011—remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity makes it a global symbol of coexistence:
“Over 270 ethnic groups are living together in Nigeria. If we succeed in promoting peace here, the world can follow the same example.”
Ilgen appreciated partners including IPCR, NCTC, Catholic Secretariat, the Nigerian Supreme Council, NIREC, and others for supporting all three editions of this year’s conference held in Abuja, Lagos, and now Jos.
He added that the Plateau edition was inspired by invitations from community and traditional leaders who participated in earlier sessions, noting that UFUK Dialogue plans to expand into more states next year:
“Our motto is ‘Reserve in your heart a seat for everyone.’ Whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani—let everyone come together.”
Gov. Mutfwang Calls for Continuous Dialogue: ‘Peace Is the Culture We Must Build’
Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Mrs. Julie Sanda, delivered a goodwill message emphasizing the centrality of dialogue. 
She highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening inter-community relationships:
“Building a culture of peace requires continuous communication. Diversity must be embraced, and our communities must remain engaged through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.”
She commended UFUK Dialogue and partners for bringing the conference to Plateau State, describing it as timely and impactful.
Interfaith Council Urges Action Beyond Words
A representative of the Interfaith Council warned against treating interreligious dialogue lightly, stressing that peace requires practical commitment:
“We must translate our words into action. Too much talk will not help us—let us act love, and act tolerance.”
He encouraged Nigerians to appreciate the country they were born into and work collectively for unity.
Catholic Secretariat: ‘Dialogue Is Our Mandate’
Representing the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the delegate from the Department of Interreligious Dialogue recalled that the Catholic Church initiated formal interreligious dialogue as far back as 1968.
He reaffirmed the Church’s long-standing partnership with UFUK Dialogue:
“We are happy to learn and share with all our brothers and sisters here. May our deliberations lead to better relations among all of us under God.”
IPCR: ‘Love and Tolerance Are Not Optional, They Are National Necessities’
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), speaking on behalf of its Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, commended UFUK Dialogue for sustaining conversations that strengthen national cohesion.
“This conference is timely as Nigeria continues to navigate challenges requiring empathy, cooperation, and tolerance.”
IPCR urged participants to return to their communities and apply the lessons learned.
CAN Kaduna Representative: ‘Love Without Tolerance Becomes Passive’
Representing the CAN Chairman of Kaduna State, Rev. Dr. Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, Rev. Bulus Ibrahim Bagu stressed that Nigeria needs love and tolerance now more than ever.
He explained their interdependence:
“Love without tolerance becomes passive; tolerance without love becomes indifferent. Together they build peaceful and resilient communities.”
He urged participants to practice what they preach.
JNI Representative: ‘Implement What You Learn’
Speaking for the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Mallam Mustapha Umar Galadina described the conference as deeply important.
“We must not leave what we learn here behind. We are ambassadors of peace. Whatever knowledge we acquire must be implemented among our followers.”
He prayed for more strength and capacity for UFUK Dialogue.
Guest Speaker Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin: Education Is the Most Powerful Tool for Peace
The keynote address, titled “The NTIC Experience: Building Peaceful Coexistence Through Education” was delivered by Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin, Managing Director of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC).
He argued that schools are the most effective environment for teaching love, tolerance, and national unity:
“Children who share a desk fairly today will share a nation fairly tomorrow.”
Dr. Bilgin described NTIC’s Community Impact Leadership (CIL) course, through which students identify social problems and execute real community projects such as:
- Visiting orphanages, hospitals, and IDP camps
- Supporting rural schools
- Raising funds to repair classrooms
- Environmental projects like tree planting and recycling
He emphasised that education must go beyond academics:
“Education is preparation for coexistence. When justice and fairness shape a child’s experience, trust follows naturally.”
Dr. Bilgin also highlighted NTIC’s character education curriculum built on the moral teachings of Islam, Christianity, and African traditions.
A Call for Commitment to Peace
The conference ended with renewed calls for interfaith collaboration, grassroots dialogue, and sustained efforts to rebuild trust across Nigeria’s divides.
Partners present included UFUK Dialogue, IPCR, NCTC, ASNTC, AANDEC, NILDS, PPBA, CAN, NIREC, CSN, and other religious and community leaders.
Participants agreed that love, tolerance, and education remain vital for a peaceful and united Nigeria.