A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Civil Society for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria, CS-CRIN has inaugurated 150 Peace Advocates to counter violence, public menace, and promote peaceful coexistence among Communities in Kano state, as the 2023 general election approaches.
The inauguration was conducted during a one-day Training Workshop on Interfaith and Religious Conflicts Management in Kano state, organized by CS-CRIN, held at Tahir Guest Palace.
Performing the inauguration, Professor Muhammed Bello Shitu of the Bayero University, Kano said the beneficiaries will be responsible for tackling the menace of violence in communities, by promoting peace and standing firm against anything that will counter peace in their area.
“As advocates, we want you to be committed, sincere, forthright and exemplary in your leadership by playing by the rules of the game, as well as work within the norms and values of the community to attain the set objectives.“
He urged the group not to take laws into their hands as they are a mirror to be followed, emphasising that their activities would be monitored and evaluated on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis to see the evidence of their engagement.
The Professor enjoined them to always give feedback to CS-CRIN, community leaders as well as work in tandem with security operatives such as the Police, Civil Defence, Vigilante to avoid conflict, as some of the issues being worked on could be of concern to them.
“Everything is aimed towards violence and conflict-free Kano state and indeed Nigeria, so you need to work with them.“
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Kano Command DSP, Haruna Kiyawa urged the inductees to see the assignment as an opportunity and challenge for them to serve their communities.
He promised to intimate the state Commissioner of Police, the 11 area commands and 77 Divisions in the state of the workings of the community Peace Advocates, stressing that they are free to walk into any DPO”s office while carrying out assignments.
“We thank you for coming to help the Police to do their job. You will be introduced to all the various police committees in the state including the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, to fastrack your engagements,“ said the PPRO.
The Executive Director/National Coordinator of CS-CRIN, Mr Adeniyi Aremu said the tested and trusted Peace Advocates selected based on consent and Integrity vouch of community leaders in the pilot Programme are from 12 LGAs in Kano state, which includes Rogo, Sumaila, the 8 metropolitan Councils among others and will be working on a volunteer basis.
“They will be working in their Communities to provide intelligence for the Police, community leaders, CSOs and even from the people of the community.
“Once they identify any miscreant in the society they can report the person secretly for necessary action,” emphasized Adeniyi
On the Workshop, Adeniyi said the training was designed to bring the community and religious leaders together and cement the good relationship between the interfaith in Kano state,
“We are discussing on how to sustain this peace as 2023 approaches. Already there are issues of Hate Speeches, Political and Urban Violence. We want to see how these religious leaders can use the messages on their pulpits to sensitize people on how to shun hate speech and violence.
“It is timely because now is the right time for us to lay the foundation for peace, otherwise we won’t be able to contain the violence that may come during the 2023 elections,” he explained.
The ED, Interfaith Foundation, Kano, Rakiya Abba Tahula trained participants on promoting Peace and Harmony amongst Interfaith groups in Kano state, while Professor, Muhammed Bello Shitu of the Bayero University, Kano handled the interactive session on promoting Peace and Harmony amongst Interfaith groups in Kano state.
The Chief Imam of Hotoro Mosque, Hadi Ibrahim said through the training, a lot of lessons were learnt, especially areas of similarities in the prominent religions in the country, adding that both Christianity and Islam strive for truth and peace.
“We as vanguards of the religions here on earth, as learned today should demonstrate and preach these similarities through sermons to our followers to enhance religious harmony and peaceful society in Nigeria. I promise to carry on with these messages in the mosque where I superintend,” he said.
Pastor, A.B Gbolasero said the training really impacted his understanding of how to promote peace among different faiths in Kano, promising to pass similar messages to Christan followers in the Church and its environs.
In attendance were the Council of Ulamas, Pastors, clergies, Community leaders, CSOs, Peace Advocates, the Police among others.
PIAK
