By Ezra Musa

An NGO, Search for Common Ground, has premiered a film in Kaduna, as part of efforts to promote religious tolerance, using art as a tool for advocacy.

The film titled ‘Bridging the Abyss’ is part of the organisation’s project on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), supported by the Government of the Netherlands.

Speaking at the event, Mr Godwin Okoku, Head of Programme Implementation, said the initiative was to strengthen structures that safeguard citizens’ right to freedom of religion.

“The FoRB project is designed to prevent discrimination and ensure that individuals are not targeted or marginalised because of their religious beliefs or identity,” he explained.

Okoku said the project was being implemented across several states and had successfully addressed over 33 reported cases of FoRB violations.

“The effort was achieved in partnership with the Natiinal Human Rights Commission and the National Orientation Agency.

“We do not claim to solve every case, but we work closely with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society to resolve conflicts and promote dialogue,” he added.

Okoku further revealed that the organisation coordinates a Community of Practice for FoRB, a platform that brings together Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders to promote peaceful coexistence.

Also speaking, Ms Katlong Dasat, Senior Media Officer for the project, said the initiative uses storytelling and film to promote human rights and religious inclusion among young people.

“Art is a powerful advocacy tool. Through films like Bridging the Abyss, we are helping young people understand their right to believe, or not believe, without fear or discrimination,” she said.

Dasat emphasised that the FoRB project is not religious in nature, but rooted in human rights and social justice principles.

She said, “Nigeria is a multi-religious country. We must acknowledge not only Christianity and Islam but also other beliefs, including African Traditional Religion, Buddhism, and Atheism.

“Freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed by our constitution. It is a right, not a privilege.”

Dasat added that the organisation had also trained media practitioners on responsible reporting to avoid sensational headlines that may incite division.

“We are engaging the media to promote content that encourages national unity and religious tolerance,” she added.

Miss Miracle Elefe, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, said the programme had encouraged her to reflect on the role of young Nigerians in promoting unity.

“From what I learnt today, putting our differences aside will help us build a better nation. We may have different beliefs, but that should not divide us.”

Mr Isaac Ibuka, a student of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, described the programme as an eye-opener.

“Human rights are not earned they are ours by virtue of being human. One important takeaway for me is that religions were made for humans, not the other way around,” he said.

The event featured a panel session and interfaith dialogues focused on building a society where freedom of belief is respected and protected. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Aisha Ahmed/Bashir Rabe Mani