Global Peace Tasks Religious Leaders On Social Cohesion, Nation Building

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria has called on religious leaders to take care of traumatized people and build social cohesion. 

The call came up in a programme organised by the Nigerian KAICIID Fellows in collaboration with Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, The Interfaith Mediation Centre and O-Trauma Victims Initiative. 

 The conference which was held at the Catholic Resource Centre, Durumi Abuja, was attended by renowned Christian and Islamic clerics within and outside of the FCT. 

Also in attendance were prominent Nigerians, reputable Civil Society Organizations, members of the press and the general public. 

Speaking, a member of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) and a fellow with the King Abdulla bin Abdul-Aziz Centre for Cultural and Inter-religious Dialogue (KAICIID) Fr Stephen Ojapah, said it was an opportunity for the religious leaders to chart the course for a better society.

Fr. Stephen who was a victim of kidnapping, said; “The unfortunate incident gave me a deeper understanding of life; life is short and whatever good to be done should be done now.” He expressed hope that through the conversation millions of Nigerians who have been traumatized in one way or the other would find reason to put the past behind them and help other victims come out of the situation too.”

 He urged religious leaders who he believe have a role to play in bringing healing and infusing hope into victims of trauma to rise up to the occasion and use their God-given platforms to provide care, preach social cohesion and contribute to nation building. 

He thanked the Global Peace Foundation with other groups and individuals for their support toward the success of the event. 

 The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev John Joseph Hayab felicitated with the priest and identified with him and all victims of the numerous traumatic experiences in the country particularly in the hands of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists. 

Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hasssan Kukah, said some people have suspended the common sense of humanity.