The Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) has honoured women leaders across Plateau and Kaduna States for their exceptional contributions to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and strengthening interfaith harmony in their communities.

The event, themed “Celebration of Women’s Leadership,” was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Odilin’s Event Centre, Jos, bringing together faith leaders, traditional rulers, women advocates, and government representatives to celebrate women who have advanced inclusivity, peacebuilding, and faith-based leadership.

In his keynote address, Bishop Nathan Swamini, PROCMURA’s General Adviser from Kenya, reflected on the organization’s 65-year journey of fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue across Africa. He recalled that in 1997, such conversations were difficult to initiate in Nigeria, but progress has since been remarkable.

“Today, Christians and Muslims are not only sitting together to talk but also sharing meals and working for peace,” Bishop Swamini said. “We have come a long way from times of suspicion and hostility to a new era of understanding and collaboration.”

He commended the resilience of women leaders in promoting peace and freedom of belief while urging stakeholders to sustain these gains for future generations. Swamini further emphasized the need to uphold African values and cultural contexts in promoting FoRB, warning against external misinterpretations of the concept. 

Elder Mrs. Justina Mike-Ngwobia, PROCMURA’s FoRB Coordinator for Women, highlighted the ongoing violations of women’s religious rights, such as forced conversions, early marriages, and discrimination in worship spaces, often masked as cultural practices.

“Violations of women’s rights to freedom of religion and belief are often normalized under the guise of culture or tradition,” she explained. “This project seeks to amplify women’s voices, challenge harmful practices, and create safe spaces for dialogue and transformation within communities.”

She noted that the initiative has facilitated joint dialogues between men and women in communities across Jos North, Bassa, and Kuru (Plateau State) as well as Sabon Tasha, Chikun, and Kaduna South (Kaduna State) — strengthening interfaith cooperation and understanding.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance across Nigeria.

“When we go together, we achieve more,” she said. “Peace begins with each of us, and it is our collective responsibility to live in harmony regardless of religious or cultural differences.”

The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional displays, and the presentation of leadership awards to outstanding women who have strengthened interfaith relations. Among those honoured were Hajia Hamza Sumaye, newly appointed National Amira of the FORB Women Network, and Dr. Rhoda Soya, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), recognized for their exemplary service and leadership.

Participants, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, celebrated the spirit of unity, diversity, and progress that defines interfaith collaboration in Plateau and Kaduna States.

The PROCMURA Celebration of Women’s Leadership stands as another milestone in the organization’s mission to build peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and gender-inclusive faith communities across Africa.