The following is an excerpt from an article by Bridget Chiedu Onochie for The Guardian. As a nation, Nigeria has endured complex social problems and daunting insecurity challenges that have lingered for decades, resulting in a polarization of the nation along ethno-religious lines. In response, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria organized an Inclusive Security Dialogue program in collaboration with Vision Africa and ADF International.
Nigerian leaders gather for the Inclusive Security Dialogue program organized by GPF Nigeria
African Regional Head, Global Peace Foundation, Rev. Fr. Canice C. Enyiaka, informed that the Dialogue was initiated last year to bring together religious leaders, community leaders, leaders of Civil Society Organizations and all well-meaning Nigerians to devise means of resolving challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking at the event that was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Enyiaka, expressed worries that human dignity was under serious threat in Nigeria and expressed the need for urgent intervention.
He said: “We cannot overlook that. So, we must come together to see what can be done about it because if Nigeria is in order, everyone will enjoy it.”
He further identified four major areas of concern, including religious freedom which he said was the foundation of all other freedoms.
“We also look at human security. It is an integral part of what makes life beautiful. We also want to consider the challenges of national security and electoral violence. We see how our young people are killed during campaigns and elections. It is against human dignity to use people for sacrifices during elections. So, we all need to do something to make sure lives in Nigeria are not toyed with.”
For Enyiaka, the campaign should begin from the grassroots and as such, community and religious leaders as well as civil society leaders must return to their communities to help build on the principles of shared realities.
