An interfaith forum of Muslim and Christians women associations has recommended dialogue, interfaith interactions and reconciliation for ensuring peaceful societies in Kaduna State.

The association, also known as Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC), is an association and network of women peace makers in Kaduna
state and Nigeria.

The association, in a communique issued to newsmen on Satuday in Kaduna, made the recommendations after a state-level round table discussion with stakeholders on ways towards ensuring unending peace and tranquility in the state.

The theme of the meeting was: “If you want peace, work for
justice, promote human rights, mutual respect, and freedom of religion or belief”.

Signatories to the communique were;
Rev. Sr. Veronica Onyeanisi,
WIC Executive Director,
Sarki Ahmed Mohammed, the
Village Head of Kurmi Mashi,
Hajiya Khadijah Hawaja-Gambo, the Permanent Commissioner
Kaduna State Peace Commission and
Aboi Joy-Zugwai, a
student of Federal Government College
Kaduna.

Others were; Hajiya Meryam Saleh,
Women Leader Kurmi Mashi Kaduna,
Dr. Mohammed Saeed of
Federal University Gashua Yobe State,
Barr. Hajara Jibrin,
Director
Ministry of Justice Kaduna State and
Mrs Roseline Reni, Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Actions (JISRA) actor at Hayin Banki, Kaduna.

Other signatories to the communique were;
Mrs. Elizabeth Abuk,
WIC General Coordinator,
Rev. Fr. Bulus Karis, a
Religious Leader, Ikhianasimhe Nwaogo-Augusta, Admin DAAR, Hajiya Taobat Faro, WIC Public Relation Officer and Dr Solomon Oduma-Aboh,
Head of Department
Christian Religious Studies, Kaduna State University (KASU).

Also, Mr Philip Omachi, a radio programme presenter, Ayiku Thomas a Director at Kaduna State Ministry for Justice, and Mr Galadima, a youths leader and JISRA religious actor at Hayij Banki, Kaduna signed the communique.

The communique explained that the imperative of inclusive and
constructive dialogues among community-level stakeholders led by traditional and religious
leaders, women, and youth groups is to bring all faiths and ethnic groups together in meaningful
discussions to address grievances and find common ground.

According to the communique, it paves way for proper
understanding and mutual articulation of differences and respect, sincere reconciliations and the healing of deep-seated wounds in communities across the state.

Based on that, it also recommended
the replication of diverse strategies like Interfaith Unity Parades and collective farming activities
as successful relevant dialogue tools for faith and ethnic unity as shared by JISRA actors in Kurmin
Mashi community.

It also recommended inclusion of women in decision making process of peace, inter-religious peer review, and religious literacy, peace, security and youth entrepreneurship, and the right to education for everyone which should be geared towards national integration and respect for freedom of religion and belief

The communique also recommended proper children upbringing, human rights awareness and prosecution of offenders.

It called on youths and religious and political leaders to use social media in promoting peace and not thier selfish interest, while also urging the government at all level to focus more on socio-economic development that would improve the peoples live.

It therefore said, education, health care, security of lives and properties, infrastructural development, economic opportunities were critically needed at the current state of the state and the nation in general.

“It is critical to remember that, while we have made considerable progress, the path to long-term peace is never-ending. To guarantee that the accomplishments we have gained are retained and
developed upon, we must remain committed to the concepts of dialogue, tolerance, and partnerships” the communique added.

The round table discussion, had in attendance students from Ansarrudeen College, Rimi College, Our Lady of Fatima, Government Girls’ Secondary School Kabala Costain, Tarbiyya Secondary School, Government Girls Secondary School Doka, and KASU.

Others were from the Police, academia, religious and  taditional Institutions under the auspices of JISRA and other civil society actors.

The stakeholders made presentations on their  contributions  to peacea and it associated challenges,
especially in preventing and resolving
conflicts, promoting freedom of religion and peace, combating violent extremism, and building post-conflict peace and stability.(NAN)