By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Kaduna State Peace Commission, Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has hailed the commission’s newly unveiled strategic plan as a groundbreaking approach to addressing conflict and fostering peace across the state.
The plan, described as “innovative, strategic, and inclusive,” draws lessons from both local and global conflict dynamics, offering a robust framework to guide peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking through the Executive Vice Chairman, Saleh B. Momale, during the 2024 International Day of Peace symposium held at Kaduna State University on September 21, Most Reverend Idowu-Fearon emphasized that the strategic plan sets forth a clear vision for the future of Kaduna State.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” aligns perfectly with the commission’s goals.
The symposium, jointly organized by 37 organizations, centered around the theme “Strengthening the Culture and Value of Peaceful Coexistence in Kaduna State.”
The event highlighted the critical need to embrace peace, urging citizens to reject violence and embrace unity.
The strategic plan outlines four key goals, each aimed at ensuring sustainable peace in Kaduna State. These include the establishment of functional institutions to prevent and resolve conflicts, coordinated responses to threats, fostering social cohesion, and creating an enabling environment for peace and inclusivity.
The head of service for Kaduna State, Hajiya Habiba A. Shekarau, also spoke at the symposium, stressing that peace is not just a goal but an ongoing process.
She praised the leadership of Governor Uba Sani for making significant progress in uniting the state’s diverse communities.
“Kaduna State has made remarkable strides in promoting peace, and through various initiatives, we have created an environment where people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions can live together harmoniously,” she noted.
In their goodwill messages, traditional rulers, religious leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) called for continued efforts to cultivate peace, stressing that politics and tribalism must not divide the state.
The symposium also featured a paper presentation by Dr. Maji Peters, Country Director of Equal Access International, and discussions led by key religious leaders.
