FG lauds NGO’s intervention in advancing freedom of religion, beliefs in Nigeria (Page 232)

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has commended the efforts of Search for Common Ground, Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), for its significant contributions toward promoting the freedom of religion and belief across the country.

Speaking at the National Close-out of the Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FoRB) project, on Tuesday in Abuja,the Minister of Interior,Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the project impacted Nigeria greatly.

Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Director, Legal Services, Mrs Omotese Eva,said the organisation’s intervention helped to strengthen dialogue, reduce communal tensions, and promote mutual respect among citizens of different faiths.

He said, “Through community-based peace, architecture, early warning and response systems, support for human rights defenders, and strategic engagement with the media, the project has helped foster trust and cooperation across religious and social divides.

“We are fully aware that Nigeria continues to face a crisis.

“These issues demand vigilance, collaboration, and the strengthening of credible platforms that encourage dialogue and early response.

“This is precisely why the work showcased here today is so significant, and we are very thankful that the National Human Rights Commission is taking over.”

In his keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs,Yusuf Tuggar,appreciated the NGO’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to preventing conflict, counter divisive narratives, and build resilient, inclusive communities.

Tuggar, represented by the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, was also represented by Mr Emeka Mba,a Director at IPCR.

He said the Federal Government acknowledged the dedication and professionalism with which the initiative was implemented.

“The Ministry is particularly encouraged that this project complements the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen social cohesion, prevent violent extremism, and promote inclusive governance.

“The success of the initiative further reinforces the value of multisectoral collaboration, combining diplomacy, community engagement, and evidence-based programming.

“Nigeria is stronger, safer, and more united because of your complementary efforts,”he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu,said Search promoted one of the most sensitive fundamental rights recognised in both international and national laws.

Ojukwu, represented by Mr Halilu Adamu,Director,Civil and Political Rights Department,NHRC,said the project delivered impressive achievements starting with building capacity of journalists,CSOs, faith leaders and human rights defenders.

He added that it improved early warning and early response mechanisms,establishing referral pathways for related conflicts of faith-based organisations,raising awareness and reducing misconceptions around interfaith relationship and also providing protection and also support systems for individuals at risk.

Ojukwu said, “Your work has strengthened not just systems, but lives, communities, and also futures.

“Let us move forward together, determined, united, and also inspired to build a Nigeria where human rights are lived, experienced, and also protected every day.”

Mr Ronald Sonnemans, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, appreciated all the partners, especially Search for walking the path with the Embassy.

He added, “At the heart of this project, there is a simple truth.

“Diversity, in all its forms, has the power to unite, heal, and inspire when it is treated with care and respect.

“But we also understand the realities. Diversity can be misused. It can be manipulated to fuel fear and deepen divides.”

Sonnemans said that the project, therefore , empowered key institutions and stakeholders to anticipate, prevent and address conflicts along religious lines and to strengthen the protection of freedom of religion or belief across the world.

The Country Director,Search for Common Ground, Nigeria,Karno Quattara,said the PP-FoRB project, which started three years ago helped build trust,strengthen early warning systems and amplified voices calling for unity rather than division.

Quattara appreciated the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its unwavering support and commitment to peacebuilding and human rights in spite of Nigeria’s diversity in languages, traditions and religions.

He explained that in many communities, people face fear simply for expressing their beliefs and some threatened because they worship differently.

“Others face discrimination because their identities fall outside majority norms.

“When these violations occur, the damage is not just personal ,it shakes the foundation of peace and trust.

“It is in this reality that this project was born and it is this reality that makes our work essential,”he said.

Quattara said among the achievements was the creation of Nigeria’s first national case management and referral system for FoRB violations, a national toll-free hotline, O8000002233, for reporting violations which would be handed to NHRC.

He added that Search worked with 90 human rights and legal practitioners,30 journalists ,30 micro-influencers,religious and community leaders,security institutions and CSOs across the six geo-political zones among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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FG lauds NGO’s intervention in advancing freedom of religion, beliefs in Nigeria (Page 232)