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Plateau: Military Cautions Religious Leaders Against Inciting Sermons

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2023

vicky

Religious leaders in Nigeria have been cautioned against making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country.

This warning came during a symposium organized for religious leaders in Plateau by the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Jos.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major General AE Abubakar, said the aim of the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society.

He lamented the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused to include fueling tension and anger amongst religious groups.

Abubakar informed the gathering that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State.

The commander urged the participants to reflect on their sermons and continually preach peace over violence. He further disclosed that the participants were drawn from different religious groups that have shown commitment to a peaceful society.

Delivering a paper on the topic: ‘The Effects Of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau,’ the guest speakers, Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Deputy Chief Imam, Jos Central Mosque; and Reverend Father Boniface Nkum, Director of Studies Saint Augustine Missionary School Jos, said religious leaders have strong potential to influence their followers.

They disclosed that religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years.

In the paper, the guest speakers agreed that the government must provide an active platform where religious leaders who make inciting statements could be reported and sanctioned accordingly.

The guest speakers maintained that interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged in order to promote harmonious relationships between different religious groups.

While calling on the religious advisory committee of the State to wake up to its duties, they added that religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers.

In their separate remarks, the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said that the government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements, while maintaining that no one was above the law in the country.

They advised that a similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance.

On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), disclosed that there must be public condemnation of preachers of inciting statements especially by followers of same faith.

He revealed that the Inter-religious Advisory Council in the State was active to address issues relating to religion and practices.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), said inciting statements create mob action and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity.

Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna; Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo; Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd); Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (rtd), religious leaders of various denominations, Women Wings of CAN/JNI amongst others.

Related Topics:Military Cautions Religious Leaders Against Inciting Sermons plateau

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2027: OK Movement DG resigns after one month, gives reason

Published

3 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Preport

The Director-General of the OK Movement, Peter Ameh, has resigned his position.

Ameh announced his resignation on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that it took immediate effect.

According to Ameh, he was leaving to focus on his bid to represent Kogi East in the Senate in 2027 on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

“I hereby formally tender my resignation as Director-General of the OK Movement, effective immediately.

“This decision will enable me to devote the necessary time and energy to my campaign for the Kogi East Senatorial District, where I am the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC,” Ameh wrote in his resignation letter.

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, whom he described as his leader.

DAILY POST reports that it is barely a month since Ameh was appointed the DG of the Movement.

The OK Movement is a group of supporters of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso.

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‘We Need Unity and Professionalism’ — Dimkpa Unveils Blueprint to Rebuild Nigerian Karate

Published

5 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Preport

Newly elected Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) President, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at repositioning Nigerian karate through stronger administration, grassroots development and improved international competitiveness.

Dimkpa said his immediate priority is to reunite stakeholders within Nigerian karate and establish a clear strategic direction for the federation. He plans to convene the new board to begin implementing the federation’s development agenda.

The new president also wants the federation to establish a sustainable pathway for athletes to progress from grassroots participation to elite competition, while improving opportunities for young karatekas across the country.

“Our athletes deserve a united Federation. Our coaches deserve an enabling environment. Our officials deserve the support to perform effectively.”

Focus on Coaches and Technical Officials

A major part of Dimkpa’s plan is strengthening the technical side of Nigerian karate.

The federation intends to introduce continuous education and certification programmes for coaches, referees and technical officials, with the aim of improving standards and ensuring Nigerian representatives can compete effectively at continental and global events.

Dimkpa also identified collaboration with the National Sports Commission, Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), World Karate Federation (WKF), state associations and development partners as important to achieving the federation’s objectives.

International Competitions and Domestic Development

The federation has already begun preparing for upcoming international competitions, including the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup and UFAK Championships.

More recently, the KFN board approved the establishment of a Nigerian Karate League, designed to provide a structured domestic competition and create more opportunities for athletes to compete regularly in Nigeria. The board also approved a one-year activity calendar running from August 2026 to August 2027.

Nigeria is also scheduled to participate in the 2026 UFAK African Championship in Algeria from September 6 to 13, with the federation directing its technical and administrative officials to begin preparations for the competition.

Governance and Accountability

Dimkpa has also placed emphasis on improving the federation’s governance, promising greater transparency, accountability and professionalism.

The new administration is seeking to strengthen sponsorship and partnerships to improve funding, athlete welfare and infrastructure, while ensuring official federation activities are managed through clearly defined structures.

The KFN board’s inaugural meeting has already resulted in the creation of several committees covering areas such as marketing and sponsorship, competitions, ethics, youth and women, technical development and refereeing.

Dimkpa believes the federation’s success should not be measured solely by the number of medals won, but also by the strength of its institutions, the quality of its programmes and the opportunities created for athletes and other stakeholders.

The new administration has therefore placed unity, grassroots development, technical improvement and stronger governance at the centre of its plan to rebuild Nigerian karate.