Ongoing mediation efforts to end outbreaks of violence across Nigeria caused by religious tension are continuing in Kaduna state through the One Family under God Campaign. Â Meetings in the Goska, Ambam, Bakin Kogi and Dangoma communities in Kaninkon Chiefdom of Southern Kaduna in February of 2017 included District Heads of Ambam, Goska, Dangoma and Bakin Kog.Â
Rev. Joseph Hayab and Sheikh Halliru Maraya, the “Kaduna twins” and recipients of the 2017 Global Peace Awards, encouraged the communities to accept dialogue and forgiveness in order to genuinely bring about peace in their localities. They reminded community leaders that both the Holy Bible and Quran emphasizes peace, mutual respect, being one another’s keeper, and good neighborliness among other qualities as essential in the eyes of the Creator.
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria has been hosting a series of peacebuilding workshops in Kaduna State to promote community cohesion with the support of traditional rulers and government and religious leaders. The One Family under God Campaign workshops focus on changing attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups by highlighting principles and values that are shared across differing religious traditions.
To date, 12 communities have launched as pilot communities of the One Family under God Campaign and the number is set to expand this year. The most recent series of meetings engaging religious, tribal and community leaders were covered by several local news outlets.