Tag: JISRA

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) project has restored peace to communities affected by ethno-religious crises in Kaduna and Plateau States.

Programme Development and Partnerships Manager for Tearfund – a non-governmental organisation, George Songu said this during the photovoice exhibition under the theme “Restoring Hope, Renewing the Earth, Rebuilding Communities” in Abuja.

JISRA is a five-year project being implemented in Plateau and Kaduna States to promote freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Songu explained that Tearfund and its partners worked over the years across regions affected by conflicts and disasters to transform relationships, challenging exclusionary narratives, and nurturing community resilience.

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He said: “Part of what we are showcasing here is the impact of the JISRA project to galvanize religious and faith actors, whether from the Christian or the Muslim faith and other traditional religions to join forces and raise their voices against the incessant conflicts that we see across the country.

“We have helped to transform conflict situations leading to peaceful co-existence for several communities across Kaduna and Plateau states.

“Through this project, we have also seen government agencies and institutions come together to promote policies that foster peaceful co-existence and put an end to the incessant conflicts that we see on the Plateau and in Kaduna.

“For Plateau specifically, there are communities that could not come together; the Christian the Muslim communities could not come together to do anything. But as a result of this project, we have seen zero or no conflicts at all on the Plateau.”

Country Coordinator of JISRA Nigeria, Jude Likita the photovoice exhibition was targeted at showcasing inspiring stories of change, narratives, resilience, and transformation witnessed across communities in Nigeria.

He explained that the idea was to provide a platform for conversations around joint religious actions that could lead to peace and create a cohesive society.

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) has remembered those who died or suffered from religious crises.

This was part of activities to mark this year’s International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in Abuja.

The Chairperson of JISRA’s Country Steering Committee, Joseph Aloo, said the occasion presented an opportunity for individuals, communities, and state actors to reflect soberly and strive to make the world a peaceful place for ourselves and our neighbours.

Aloo, who was represented by the Acting Country Director of Tearfund Nigeria, Bolanle Oyebola, revealed that JISRA was founded on the principle that religious communities play a crucial role in fostering understanding and addressing conflicts.

He said: “It empowers religious actors to become effective change agents within their communities.

“Our religious partners have talked about the impact that they are making in their communities. They are working with traditional rulers, women, and youth towards achieving the program’s objective in Nigeria.”

A former General Officer Commanding of 3 Division and 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Peter Dauke (rtd), said throughout his military career, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of violence fueled by religious and ethnic differences.

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He added that these experiences reinforced his belief in the importance of employing a comprehensive strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to restore peace and stability.

Dauke noted: “During my tenure as GOC 3 Division, Jos—a region often beset by inter-communal and religious violence—I, in conjunction with the Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, initiated several non-kinetic approaches aimed at de-escalating conflicts and fostering peace.”

Earlier, the Country Coordinator of JISRA Nigeria, Jude Likita, said the event was not only to unveil the plaques, but to honor and remember those whose lives were tragically cut short by acts of violence rooted in religion or belief.

He said: “It is a somber occasion, yet one of profound significance, as we come together to pay tribute to the victims and reaffirm our commitment to a world where such atrocities are but a distant memory.

“Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the recent tragedies in Kaduna and Plateau States. These regions, known for their rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, have also endured profound pain and suffering due to violence driven by religious and sectarian divides.”

Likita pointed out that the scars left by these acts remind everyone of the urgent need to address the root causes of intolerance and build a more inclusive society.

On his part, the Emir of Jamal Emirate Council, Amb Peter Jeremiah, said there was a decrease in religious violence because traditional institutions have woken up and taken it upon themselves to galvanize support from all strata, whereby they bring people of diverse religions together on the need for peaceful coexistence.

Also, the Director of Planning and Strategy, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benard Kengson, said from all indications, the current administration of President Bola Tinubu was trying to unite the people through appointments and policies.