Foundation advocates interfaith dialogue to build peaceful communities

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has advocated for interfaith dialogue as a key strategy for building peaceful communities.

Country Director of GPFN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, made this known during the International Youth Day Interfaith Dialogue on the theme “Youth Local Action for SDGs Through Inter-Religious Harmony,” held in Minna on Tuesday.

He stated that the foundation believes such dialogue can foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse faith communities, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence.

“Today’s gathering is a declaration that despite our diverse faiths, ethnicities, and cultures, we choose dialogue over division, unity over conflict, and peace over violence,” he said.

Hayab emphasized the importance of promoting interfaith dialogue among Nigerian youth for peace and sustainable development.

According to him, “Interfaith dialogue among Nigerian youths can connect communities, build trust, tackle insecurity, and mitigate violence—thereby promoting peaceful coexistence for sustainable livelihoods.”

The GPFN country director challenged young people to rise above narratives of division and instead become bridge-builders, innovators, and ambassadors of peace.

He also urged government leaders, community elders, and civil society organisations to invest in youth empowerment by providing them with skills, resources, and platforms to shape policies and influence decision-making.

The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, emphasised the need for both religious communities to promote peace. He also urged women to speak out against gender-based violence, forced marriage, and sexual harassment.

Bago, who was represented by Ms. Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, called on women and girls to break their silence and actively advocate against GBV.

“Women should protect their children, watch the kind of peer groups they associate with, and parents should always know the whereabouts of their children,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) for their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE: Cautious optimism as INEC braces up for CVR exercise

Elleman, represented by SP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, highlighted the police’s ongoing efforts to address youth restlessness in the Minna metropolis.

He urged the government to engage youths in skills acquisition programs and advised parents to take responsibility for their children in order to reduce crime within communities.

In separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Rev. Joshua Rikoto, and a representative of JNI, Mamman Ketso, stressed the importance of empowering youth and women to build a better and more peaceful society.

Goodwill messages were presented by representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Human Rights Commission, the Emir of Minna, the SDG office, and the Bureau of Religious Affairs in Niger State.