North Central Religious Advisers Pledge Action to Forge Lasting Peace

By Samson Obande, Lafia

In a decisive move to curb the decades-long cycle of ethno-religious violence in Nigeria’s North Central region, the Forum of Religious Advisers to state governors has committed to a renewed and aggressive push for inter-faith harmony.

The resolution was reached on Thursday during the forum’s inaugural meeting, hosted by the Nasarawa State Government at the Nasarawa Luxury Hotel in Lafia. The landmark dialogue brought together Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants on Christian and Islamic affairs from all six North Central states to craft a roadmap for sustainable peace and religious tolerance.

Steering the conversation, the Nasarawa State Governor’s top religious aides—Venerable Jibrailu Yarima Dabong JP (Christian Affairs) and Ustaz Saidu Kirki (Islamic Affairs)—set the tone by declaring that peace is the indispensable bedrock of meaningful development. They urged citizens, particularly Christians and Muslims, to translate the peaceful teachings of the Bible and the Quran from scripture into daily practice.

“Nasarawa State is experiencing tremendous tranquility under Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration due to his inclusive governance, promotion of justice, and deep reverence for God and humanity,” the duo stated. They revealed that the governor was fully supportive of the forum’s mission, providing all necessary logistics in the hope that the meeting’s outcomes would help heal a zone long plagued by communal crises.

The theme, “Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony,” was explored in depth by two scholars from the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Mohammed Tanko Aliyu Baitula (Islamic scholar) and Rev. Dr. Anthony Habila. They stressed that religious harmony is the only viable pathway to peace in a multi-religious society.

“Peace must be practical not hypocrisy or eye service,” the clerics asserted. “What has often been done by governments and religious leaders is heavy on rhetoric but light on action.” They urged adherents to sincerely practice their faiths and warned that true peace requires more than just statements of intent.

Delegates from other states shared insights into their respective governors' peace-building strategies, highlighting a collective desire for stability. Contributors to the discussion included:

· Hon. Gaminana Usman (SSA, Inter-Religious Affairs, Kogi State)

· Hon. Omolaye Joel (SSA, Christian Religious Affairs, Kogi State)

· Pastor Lawrence Isa (Special Adviser on Christian Affairs, Niger State)

· Pastor Nehemiah Nanmwa (SSA on Religious Affairs, Plateau State)

At the conclusion of the meeting, members resolved to expand future sittings to include a broader coalition of stakeholders. Recognizing that peace is a multi-faceted endeavor, the forum plans to bring government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders to the table, viewing them as essential drivers of social cohesion.

The forum pledged to sustain regular engagements, vowing to convert their resolutions into tangible actions that ensure religious tolerance and lasting peace across the North Central region.