The National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN), Kano State Chapter, in collaboration with the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), has called on religious leaders to actively promote sustainable peacebuilding across communities in Kano State.
The call was made during a one-day
interfaith peacebuilding workshop themed “Faith in Action: Promoting Peace and Understanding.” The workshop brought together religious leaders, community stakeholders, and civil society actors to explore practical ways of fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
Speaking at the event, the Kano State Focal Person, Hajiya Aisha Haruna Kabuga, said the initiative aligns with the mandate of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, noting that her engagement as a COFP Fellow-to-Be is focused on strengthening harmony and peaceful coexistence at the community level.
She explained that the programme addressed conflicts among various religious and social groups, including inter-religious disputes, which often arise from misunderstandings, misinformation, and inadequate religious knowledge.
According to her, such conflicts typically originate at the grassroots level and, if left unchecked, can escalate into wider social tensions.
This, she said, informed the foundation’s decision to intervene through dialogue, education, and community engagement aimed at promoting tolerance and mutual respect.
Participants were also encouraged to pursue learning rooted in clarity, understanding, and accurate knowledge rather than misinformation or confusion.
The workshop further emphasized that despite differences in religious affiliation—Christianity or Islam—both faiths share core values such as peace, tolerance, justice, and respect for humanity.
It was noted that divisions often emerge when individuals are influenced by false teachings and harmful ideologies, which can lead to social disorder and wrongdoing.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gwale Local Government Area, Mr. Baba Yahaya Yusuf stated that Kano State has continued to enjoy relative peace due to consistent engagement and collaboration among religious leaders.
Similarly, Malam Ayuba noted that peace is a fundamental teaching of Islam, stressing the importance of harmony and coexistence among all people. He also urged individuals to seek proper knowledge before drawing conclusions that could fuel conflict.