On October 7-8, 2024, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in collaboration with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable, hosted a workshop focused on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Kaduna State. This event convened over 80 participants from diverse backgrounds, including religious and traditional leaders, as well as women and youth leaders. Held at Bajju Hall in Hayin Banki, Kawo, the workshop aimed to foster interfaith harmony, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and empower local leaders to become advocates for religious freedom.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, GPF Nigeria’s Country Director, opened the workshop with a powerful message highlighting the importance of FoRB as a fundamental right essential for human freedom and social harmony. Reflecting on Kaduna’s history of religious conflicts, Rev. Hayab emphasized that embracing religious freedom could pave the way for lasting peace. His message, echoing GPF’s vision of “One Family under God,” inspired participants to view religious tolerance as a cornerstone for cohesive communities and sustainable peace.
The sessions delved into FoRB’s principles, starting with an overview of its global framework grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief (1981). Abdul Ahmed, GPF Nigeria’s Senior Programs Manager, highlighted that FoRB extends beyond religion to encompass beliefs of all kinds, advocating for freedom from persecution and discrimination.
Abdul Ahmed gives a presentation at a 2-day workshop on religious freedom.
Through interactive discussions, attendees explored the legal and social implications of FoRB, sharing personal stories that shed light on local challenges. These exchanges allowed participants to relate the principles of FoRB to their own communities, fostering empathy and mutual respect.
Audience gives remarks during a GPF Nigeria workshop.
On the second day, the workshop shifted to practical strategies for addressing inter- and intra-religious conflicts. Participants analyzed case studies and participated in group exercises to identify common sources of conflict and ways to address them. They also engaged in discussions on effective advocacy for religious freedom, touching on tools such as awareness campaigns, interfaith dialogues, and legal interventions.
The workshop’s discussions reinforced that promoting FoRB requires active leadership. Religious and community leaders were encouraged to champion religious tolerance within their communities, with an emphasis on the family unit as the primary setting for teaching respect and understanding.
Groups present notes from discussion.
The impact of the workshop was evident in the participants’ testimonies. Pastor Dada David Oluwayomi shared how the workshop reinforced his appreciation for religious tolerance, citing his own family’s religious diversity. Timothy Dauda Adamu, another participant, expressed a renewed commitment to respecting and embracing diverse beliefs, pledging to embody these values in his interactions with others. This personal transformation among attendees reflects the workshop’s success in fostering understanding and compassion.
As the workshop concluded, Mrs. Hayab Lois, representing Global Peace Women Nigeria, called on the women in attendance to instill the values of respect and tolerance in their families. She reminded participants that FoRB is not just a legal right but a path to a more harmonious society. Through a culture of peace fostered at the family level, communities can cultivate future generations that uphold the values of compassion and inclusivity.
Looking ahead, GPF Nigeria plans to continue its advocacy work, holding further sessions to deepen the impact of this workshop. By expanding FoRB awareness and encouraging interfaith collaboration, GPF Nigeria aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, fostering social cohesion and reducing religious intolerance across communities. This workshop was a pivotal step towards a society where every individual’s right to freedom of belief is recognized and respected, creating a stronger foundation for peace in Kaduna State and beyond.
