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Africa Must Guard Its Cultural Values in Advancing Religious Freedom – PROCMURA
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.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
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