By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
In a sustained effort to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and peaceful coexistence across conflict-prone communities, consortium partners under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) has mobilised community and faith leaders, FoRB champions from Kaduna and Plateau States for an exchange learning programme aimed at strengthening project sustainability and local ownership.
With support from Mensen met een Missie (MM) and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), and in collaboration with her implementing partners—the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM), and the Women Interfaith Council (WIC) —the event was hosted in Kaduna State.
It had to the theme “Strengthening Sustainability and Community Ownership through Peer Learning and Exchange,”.
The programme brought together religious actors and community stakeholders and FoRB champions to share experiences, exchange best practices, inspire the replication of successful models, and strengthen collaborative networks.
The overarching goal was to develop community-driven strategies to sustain project outcomes beyond donor funding, thereby reinforcing local ownership and long-term impact.
Speaking at the event in Kaduna, Amina Joy Jatau, CAFOD’s Programme Officer for Peacebuilding, Governance, and Resilience, highlighted the importance of grassroots ownership in fostering enduring peace.
“For peacebuilding to be sustainable, it must begin at the community level. People must own the process and clearly understand their roles,” Jatau said. “This creates a sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting what they have built.”
Also speaking, Habila Muhammad Kudu, Project Officer with DIWA, expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the exchange.
“Our expectation is for participants to return to their communities not just as messengers, but as active change agents—equipped with new tools, insights, and inspiration to continue building bridges across divides,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured moving testimonials from participants reflecting on their personal journeys and community experiences.
Rev. Ezra Inusa, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna South Chapter, stressed the importance of continuous interfaith dialogue.
“This gathering is more than just an event; it is a renewal of hope. We must continue to talk, to listen, and to walk together toward lasting peace,” he noted.
From Plateau State, Mrs. Sarah Likima-Gandu, a women leader, emphasised the crucial role of women in peacebuilding, citing their position as caregivers and first responders during times of conflict.
“This exchange has reminded me that peace begins in the home. We must carry this message beyond these walls,” she said.
Malam Akilu Muhammad, a religious leader from Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru LGA, shared his transformation story, describing how the JISRA process helped shift his perceptions of people from other faiths.
“I used to see people from different religions as rivals. But through the JISRA initiative, I have learned to understand and collaborate with others. This exchange has deepened that conviction,” he shared.
Participants also engaged in interactive sessions focused on identifying their unique roles in promoting peaceful coexistence within their communities.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to deepen collaboration, increase youth and women involvement, and uphold dialogue as a cornerstone for peace.
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