Facilitators at the recently concluded training on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Early Warning Response Mechanisms for stakeholders in Taraba State emphasized that no individual should be harmed due to their religious beliefs.
Organized by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), the training held in Jalingo, the state capital, gathered participants, including security operatives and journalists.
The facilitators called for collective efforts to promote and protect freedom of religion and belief throughout the state and country.
They stressed that every individual should be allowed to practice their chosen religion as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution, and no life should be lost due to religious differences.
In his presentation, Andy Nkemneme, SFCG National Conflict and Policy Analyst, highlighted the importance of collaborating with the state government to reduce religious conflicts and empower actors to address and prevent such crises, including clashes between farmers and herders.
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Nkemneme emphasized the need to establish effective Early Warning Response and referral mechanisms to address issues related to freedom of religion and beliefs. He argued that enhancing public understanding of inter-faith conflicts is crucial.
He urged stakeholders to work tirelessly to support individuals at risk of persecution for their religious beliefs.
Echoing Nkemneme’s sentiments, other facilitators, including Senior Project Officer Habiba Gazali, Project Manager Daniel Ogabiela, Head of Programme Implementation Godwin Okoko, and Programme Development and Quality Reporting Coordinator Tosin Adebayo, noted that with collective efforts, conflicts arising from religious differences could be significantly reduced.
