Minna: The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has advocated for interfaith dialogue as a means to build peaceful communities across the country. The Country Director of the foundation, Rev. Joseph Hayab, expressed this during the International Youth Day Interfaith Dialogue in Minna, coordinated with the Youth Local Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through Inter-Religion Harmony.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Hayab emphasized that the foundation believes interfaith dialogue can foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among different faith communities, leading to 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 stated. Hayab highlighted the importance of promoting interfaith dialogue among Nigerian youths for peace and sustainable development, stating that such dialogue can connect communities, build trust, tackle insecurity, and mitigate violence.
He urged young people to rise above divisive narratives and become bridge-builders, innovators, and ambassadors of peace. Hayab also called on government, community elders, and civil society organizations to invest in youth empowerment by providing skills, resources, and platforms to shape policies and decisions.
Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger stressed the need for both religions to promote peace in their communities and urged women to speak out against Gender-Based Violence, forced marriage, and sexual harassment. Bago, represented by Ms. Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media, encouraged women and girls to challenge other social and cultural voices in their communities and advised parents to monitor their children’s activities and peer groups.
In his presentation, the Commissioner of Police in Niger, Adamu Elleman, commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasiru Islam (JNI) for promoting peaceful coexistence in Niger. Elleman, represented by SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, discussed the police’s efforts to address youth restiveness in Minna metropolis. He advocated for government engagement in youth skills acquisition programmes and urged parental responsibility to reduce crime in communities.