A diverse group of religious leaders, academics, media professionals, and experts has convened in Abuja to address the imperative need for religious understanding and advocacy in Nigeria.
The essence of the training was to foster harmony amongst Nigerians of divergent religious beliefs as they co-exist in the six geo-political regions of the nation.
In her address, a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate from the USA, Soraya Deen underscored the urgency of promoting peace and understanding among people of different religions to combat religious violence.
Deen, a recipient of the Corporate Women’s Leadership Award, is renowned as an activist, public speaker, and advocate of religious freedom or belief as well as gender equality.
Sponsored by Empower Women Media USA, Muslim Women Speakers, and the OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership, the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) leadership workshop featured Reverend Father Atta Barkindo PhD and Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu Ahmad as keynote speakers. They captivated participants with their deep insights in issues that encourage religious harmony.
In his Keynote address, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo (PhD) also underscored the pivotal role of FoRB in fostering peace, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
He emphasised the urgency of addressing religious intolerance and violence in the land.
Fr Barkindo reiterated the need for all hands to be on deck in quelling the tide of religious disharmony and attendant violence, advocating for more understanding among diverse regions.
Also, a Muslim cleric, Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu Ahmad said that focus should be on promoting interfaith harmony through local solutions to combat violent extremism, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches within Nigeria’s diverse landscape.
Organized by the Live What You Believe (LWYB) project and led by Felix Samari, the workshop drew over 100 participants committed to advocating for FoRB in Nigeria.
The distinguished panel of experts from religious institutions and academia inspired attendees to champion FoRB, emphasizing the intrinsic value of justice and moral governance in fostering harmonious coexistence.
As participants departed with renewed dedication to promoting interfaith understanding and advocating for FoRB, the workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing a more inclusive and harmonious society in Nigeria.
The FoRB training aimed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to advocate for religious freedom and cohesion.
It stands for Freedom of Belief or Religion and the LWYB Training focuses on training on the following areas;
- Improve understanding of human rights and religious freedom;
- Recognise religious-based bias and how it affects peace building, gender equality and business economies,
- Foster respect for differing beliefs, traditions and world-views and
- Assess stereotypes that may influence behavior in the workplace and society
Encourage equity, diversity, inclusion and multi-faith living.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
