A non-governmental organisation, Search for Common Ground, has premiered a film titled Bridging the Abyss in Kaduna, as part of its efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence through artistic advocacy.
The film forms part of the organisation’s ongoing project on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), supported by the Government of the Netherlands.
Speaking at the premiere, Mr Godwin Okoku, Head of Programme Implementation, explained that the initiative aims to reinforce structures that protect citizens’ right to freedom of religion.
“The FoRB project is designed to prevent discrimination and ensure that individuals are not targeted or marginalised because of their religious beliefs or identity,” he said.
Okoku added that the project, currently being implemented in several states, had successfully addressed over 33 reported cases of FoRB violations.
“The effort was achieved in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Orientation Agency,” he noted.
“We do not claim to solve every case, but we work closely with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society to resolve conflicts and promote dialogue.”
He further revealed that the organisation coordinates a Community of Practice for FoRB, which brings together Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders to foster interfaith harmony.
Ms Katlong Dasat, the project’s Senior Media Officer, also spoke at the event, highlighting the use of storytelling and film as effective tools for advocacy among youth.
“Art is a powerful advocacy tool. Through films like Bridging the Abyss, we are helping young people understand their right to believe, or not believe, without fear or discrimination,” she said.
Dasat stressed that the FoRB project is grounded in human rights principles rather than religious ideology.
“Nigeria is a multi-religious country. We must acknowledge not only Christianity and Islam but also other beliefs, including African Traditional Religion, Buddhism, and Atheism.
“Freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed by our constitution. It is a right, not a privilege,” she stated.
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She also noted that the organisation had conducted training for media professionals on ethical reporting to discourage sensational headlines that could incite division.
“We are engaging the media to promote content that encourages national unity and religious tolerance,” Dasat added.
Among the audience was Miss Miracle Elefe, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, who said the programme had inspired her to reflect on the role of youth in fostering national unity.
“From what I learnt today, putting our differences aside will help us build a better nation. We may have different beliefs, but that should not divide us,” she remarked.
Mr Isaac Ibuka, a student of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, described the initiative as enlightening.
“Human rights are not earned; they are ours by virtue of being human. One important takeaway for me is that religions were made for humans, not the other way around,” he said.
The event also featured a panel discussion and interfaith dialogues, with a focus on building a society where freedom of belief is respected, protected, and upheld.