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Youth Interfaith Group Holds Town Hall Meeting to Combat Religious Discrimination in Plateau communities

Published

3 years ago

September 1, 2023

vicky

In an effort to address the pressing issue of religious discrimination and promote peace and unity within the community, Dutsen Kura Youth Interfaith Group in the Bassa local government area of Plateau State has partnered with the Rural Communities Development Network (RURCON) to organize a town hall meeting at YWAM 1.

The event, held on September 1, brought together diverse group of community leaders, religious figures, and participants eager to tackle the challenges of religious discrimination.

The Dutsen Kura Youth Lead, Atina Joseph Adick in his welcome remarks expressed the meeting’s purpose.

He said, “The purpose of this interfaith gathering is to discuss the issue of religious discrimination, themed ‘Say No to Religious Discrimination and Violence.’ We have collaborated with JISRA through RURCON, engaging in activities such as sensitization in primary schools and capacity-building training for peaceful coexistence. Today, we gather our elders, religious leaders, and village heads to guide us in our journey towards a more harmonious community.”

Mr. Jallang David, PGM facilitator for the Dutsen Kura community gave an overview on the participatory grantmaking initiative that lead to the organization of the town hall meeting by members of the community.

He said, “The town hall meeting aimed to highlight the importance of participatory grantmaking (PGM) in the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) and its role in transforming power dynamics within the community. Participatory grantmaking empowers local partners and communities to make funding decisions, shifting them from mere beneficiaries to leaders and decision-makers in their own right.”

Ten respected figures from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds addressed the participants:

Alhajern Muhammed, an Imam, emphasized the true teachings of Islam, urging all to live in peace regardless of religious differences. He denounced those who incite violence in the name of religion, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith.

Patric Anchuk, a Reverend, highlighted the biblical mandate to live in peace with one another, stating that unity is central to Christianity. He reminded attendees that salvation demands loving one’s neighbor and even enemies.
Abubakar Yunusi, another Imam, stressed the common origin of both religions and the need to fear God. He called for the immediate resolution of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Pastor Joseph Auta urged attendees to extend love and forgiveness to all, regardless of their religious beliefs. He emphasized that this commandment applies to everyone, not just fellow Christians.

Ingmala Auibine, a village head, shared how peaceful coexistence had been a longstanding tradition in the community. He encouraged attendees to let go of differences, resolve conflicts, and share their newfound knowledge with others.
Ardo Wada called for unity, emphasizing that God created everyone with the same characteristics. He cautioned against being used for political purposes, as it only leads to more suffering.
Rev. Musa Ugino underscored the responsibility of religious and community leaders in promoting peace. He urged them to stay true to their pursuit of peace and avoid propagating personal interests.

John Adeupe, a ward head, reminded the audience of generations of peaceful coexistence in the community. He warned against falling victim to politicians’ divisive strategies.
Ardo Bako questioned why people would discriminate based on religion when they didn’t consider it in other aspects of life, such as medical treatment or transportation. He labeled religious discrimination as childish.

During a Q&A session, participants inquired about the root causes of religious discrimination and its link to politics. The panel addressed the issue of fake clerics spreading false doctrines for personal gain and how poverty could be exploited by politicians to create division.

The leaders offered a way forward, highlighting the importance of forgiveness, upholding true religious teachings, avoiding excessive drinking, and educating oneself to identify fake religious leaders and doctrines.

At the end of the meeting the Field Officer for the initiative, Onuche Ocheja commended the Dutsen Kura community for organizing the town hall meeting and encouraged attendees to become humanitarians rather than promoting religious or ethnic propaganda.

The community’s women leader, Mrs. Blessing, expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged to share the message of peace in their respective places of worship and communities

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‘We won’t trust INEC with our votes in 2027 election’ – ADC

Published

13 seconds ago

July 29, 2026

Preport

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will not trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with its votes in the 2027 general election.

The party insisted that it would take steps to protect every vote cast for its candidates.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the declaration on Wednesday in Ilorin while speaking with journalists during a walk organised to sensitise residents of the Kwara State capital about the party’s activities and preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abdullahi said the party had resolved not to rely solely on the electoral umpire, despite acknowledging that there are officials within the commission who are committed to doing the right thing.

He said that although there are still committed officials within INEC, elections should not be conducted based on trust alone.

“We know what INEC is capable of. We trusted the commission during the 2023 general election, but the outcome left us disappointed. We will not make the same mistake again by relying solely on trust,” he said.

According to him, the ADC is determined to defend its votes across the country, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the election.

He said the party was confident that President Bola Tinubu would lose the election because it was determined to protect its votes, regardless of whether the election was free and fair.

“We are not going to tell you, but that is what we are going to do if we must win this election,” he stated.

News

Controversy Trails NYSC’s Plan To Replace Khaki With Local Fabric

Published

3 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Preport

Controversy trails NYSC’s plan to replace khaki with local fabric

By Agnes Bature

Controversy has trailed the National Youth Service Corps’ plan to replace its iconic khaki uniform with local fabric, as corps members and stakeholders continue to debate the proposed change.

Some stakeholders who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the move would promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen the local textile industry.

Others, however, argued that the traditional khaki uniform remained a symbol of unity, discipline, and the identity of the scheme.

Mr Yakubu Isaiah, a corps member, said that Nigerian fabric was distinct and could project the country’s culture globally.

“Wearing a local fabric as part of the NYSC uniform will showcase our culture to the world and make corps members stand out, instead of wearing another military-style uniform,” Isaiah said.

He added that large-scale production of the Nigeria local fabric for the scheme would create employment opportunities for local artisans, particularly women involved in textile production.

Another corps member, Miss Blessing Iwu, expressed reservations about the proposal, noting that the khaki uniform was durable and ensured uniformity.

“Khaki is strong and looks the same on everyone. Local fabric fades more easily, tears faster, and different production batches may have varying shades,” Iwu said.

She also expressed concern that quality local fabric could be more expensive if not subsidised by the government, forcing corps members to spend more on additional uniforms.

Miss Chidimma Chinedu, a resident of Beggar’s Yard, Abuja, supported the proposal, arguing that locally produced fabric would reduce dependence on imported materials.

Chinedu said that replacing khaki and some imported uniform materials with locally made fabric could help reduce import costs, conserve foreign exchange, and support local industries.

According to her, local fabric is also lighter and more breathable than khaki, making it more suitable for Nigeria’s hot climate, particularly during orientation camp.

Similarly, Mr Ayoola John, a corps member serving in an engineering firm in Abuja, said the adoption of local fabric would give the NYSC scheme a distinctive Nigerian identity.

John said that passing-out parades, community development service activities, and official photographs would better reflect Nigeria’s cultural heritage and foster greater national pride.

Miss Hamzat Osigwe, a graduate of Agricultural Science, University of Jos, however, cautioned that the success of the proposal would depend largely on its implementation.

“Some young people fear it may become another policy that is poorly implemented. If the local fabric supplied is of poor quality or distributed late, it will create unnecessary challenges during orientation camp,” Osigwe said.

She also argued that the khaki uniform symbolised discipline, unity, and national service, adding that replacing it with a cultural fabric could alter public perception of the scheme.

NAN reports that the proposal was first announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, who suggested replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced fabrics.

NAN reports that the idea is to promote Nigeria’s textile industry, create jobs, and retain government spending within the country.

The announcement, however, sparked widespread reactions on social media, particularly on X, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BA/AIR/DE

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Edited by Abujah Racheal/Dorcas Jonah/