By Edith Nwapi

Religious leaders have crucial role to play in shaping moral values, particularly within the context of nation-building and promoting social harmony.

Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), made this known on Thursday in Abuja at a one-day programme for the sensitisation and awareness creation for religious leaders.

The programme was organised by the NHRC in furtherance of its mandate of peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights.

Represented by Dr Benedict Agu, Head of Monitoring Unit of the commission, Ojukwu stated that religious leaders are influencers who should help to promote human rights.

Ojukwu said that religious leaders, often holding positions of influence and trust, can significantly impact societal norms, behaviours, and ethical decision-making.

The programme, he said, was designed to deepen understanding of human rights principles as it aligns with our diverse faith.

He added also the programme is to help explore practical strategies for peace building that would provide the tools for effective conflict resolution.

“Religious leaders have always played a pivotal role in shaping moral values, guiding conscience and fostering unity.

“Your voice carries immense weight in your communities. Your teachings inspire millions of people’s dignity, compassion and mutual respect.

“In a world often divided by conflicts, inequality and misunderstandings, leadership is more crucial in bridging the divides and advocating for fundamental rights of all individuals” he said.

He said the NHRC was established by the National Human Rights Commission amended Act 2010, to promote, protect and enforce human rights of everyone in Nigeria.

He added also that the commission conducts regular sensitisation and awareness creation activities across the country to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities.

Similarly, Mr Saka Azimazi, a human rights consultant, said religious leaders were typically characterised by their deep commitment, empathy and ability to inspire.

He urged them not to go to the extremes in their teachings, adding: “every leader should be in the middle cause”.

Azimazi spoke on the topic “The role of religious leaders in promoting human rights and peaceful coexistence.

“We will not be extremists. Not be too far, not be too close. Stay in the middle. So, when you interpret anything, it was probably the most great way to ensure that people can comply.

“You should preach more truth. You should preach to ensure that people can co-exist.

“By spreading the shared values of human rights and religious teachings, we can foster a world where individuals are respected, protected, and empowered to exercise their rights and live with dignity, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds” he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ahmed Abba

The Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB) on Tuesday flagged off its Qur’anic Recitation competition at the local government level in honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ceremony, held in Damaturu, was dedicated to the memory of Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13.

Dr Umar Abubakar, Executive Secretary of AISEB, said the event marked the beginning of the state’s 2025 Qur’anic Recitation Competition at the grassroots level.

He noted that the timing of the event coincided with the passing of the late President and that a special prayer was offered for the repose of his soul.

“We seize this opportunity to offer a special prayer, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and bestow mercy upon him.

“The entire reward of this two-week-long competition is dedicated to him in honour of his contributions to the country,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was in collaboration with Plan International, Yobe Field Office.

It featured the distribution of 99 hygiene kits to Almajiri pupils and the presentation of awards to 300 Islamiyya pupils who excelled in Qur’anic memorisation.

Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, stressed the importance of Qur’anic education in shaping the moral and intellectual foundations of society.

Buni, who was represented by Prof. Bello Kawuwa, the Commissioner for Higher Education said: “This initiative is part of our broader efforts to advance Qur’anic education in Yobe and Nigeria at large.

“Qur’anic education plays a vital role in shaping our values, guide our actions, and preserve our religious identity,” the governor stated.

Also speaking, Ms Halima Jibril, Project Officer at Plan International, Yobe Field Office, said the support was informed by the need to improve hygiene conditions among Almajiri children.

“Plan International has been working with AISEB since 2019, supporting the establishment of community schools and providing educational materials.

“This year, we decided to support hygiene by providing kits containing antiseptic soap, Vaseline, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials,” she said.

She added that poor hygiene remained a critical challenge among Almajiri children and such interventions were necessary to promote their health and well-being. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

By Ezra Musa

Bishara Baptist Church has donated N50,000 each to twelve Muslim faithful, four retired Christian Clerics in a rare gesture to promote religious tolerance and unity.

Rev. Nathan Chawaison, the church pastor, who led the initiative on Sunday in Kaduna, said the donation was a practical expression of Christ’s love and a call for peaceful coexistence.

“Jesus gave His life for humanity. As children of God, we are compelled to give, regardless of faith or status.

“The beneficiaries were selected based on verified needs and community recommendations to encourage interfaith cooperation,” Chawaison revealed.

He said Jonathan Yahaya, a community leader was nominated by the Muslim recipients for championing interfaith peace in Malali and Millennium City, while the retired clerics were drawn from the Retirees Fellowship of Baptist and ECWA Churches.

“This is to remind both Christians and Muslims that we are called to be agents of peace and unity,” the cleric noted.

One of the Muslim beneficiaries, Bisa Abdulsalam, described the gesture as surprising and deeply touching.

“I never imagined receiving such kindness from a Christian body. It shows our shared humanity must come first,” he said.

Also speaking, Rev. Saminu Gambo said the support was both humbling and symbolic.

“This goes beyond money. It is a bridge of understanding and unity,” he added. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, advocated stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect victims of gender-based violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

The association also called on church leaders to lead the fight against violence inflicted on women and girls in the country.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this at the inauguration of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme, “Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls”, brought together faith leaders, civil society organisations, and advocates.

Okoh stressed the urgency of the theme, while noting the prevalence of abuse and exploitation faced by women and girls in communities across Nigeria.

“We are daily confronted with heartbreaking stories of abuse, exploitation, and violence, often perpetrated in silence.

“CAN is committed through this project to work with churches across all blocs by raising awareness of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.

“We will train clergy and church workers on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of abuse.

“We will also promote survivor-centred support systems that affirm the dignity of women and girls,” he said.

He urged Christian leaders to break the culture of silence and shame, calling for an end to the anomaly.

“As Christian leaders, we must join forces with other humanitarian organisations that want an end to this anomaly.

“Men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalised in their homes and communities.

“The church must not be indifferent when girls are denied education, dignity, or protection. As Christian leaders, we have the moral responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable around us.

“We must use our voices, pulpits and influence to break the culture of silence and shame that often surrounds gender-based violence,” the archbishop said.

Meanwhile, he commended the Ford Foundation and WEWE for their tireless work in promoting gender justice and supporting faith-based approaches to social transformation.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith-based and humanitarian organisations.

“This partnership represents what can be achieved when faith meets action and compassion is translated into advocacy and service,” he said.

Quoting Isaiah 1:17, Okoh reminded the audience of the biblical instruction to defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.

He urged the church to follow Jesus’ example by creating safe spaces and speaking out against injustice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Sandra Umeh