Follow Us on Google
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
A significant initiative by the Centre for Community Actions for Peace and Development (CCAPAD) aimed at mitigating religious differences commenced in Nasarawa State with the slogan, Great for the world” to Bread for the World , Germany.
Daily Sun reports that the NGO, headquarters is in Jos, Plateau State, convened a ten-day workshop in Karu Local Government Area to combat religious radicalisation.
Stakeholders representing diverse sectors, including security formations, traditional and religious leaders, among others, gathered at the Surcecestial Hotel and Gardens in Karu for the inaugural ceremony. Yesterday.
Mr Ahmed Salihu, the Executive Director of CCAPAD, presented a paper titled “FORB and DERADICALIZATION” during the event.
In an interview, Salihu highlighted CCAPAD’s status as a registered NGO with Nigerian regulatory bodies and several international organisations, notably the EU and the US. “The organisation focuses on human rights, peace, and good governance, operating through regional offices across the North East.”
Salihu emphasised that CCAPAD’s concern about religious differences stemmed from extensive research revealing underlying issues requiring attention, notably religious intolerance. Through the “Faith for Peace” project, funded by the European Union and supported by Great for the World, CCAPAD seeks to implement strategies in Nasarawa, covering Lafia, Keffi, and Karu.
Addressing the misconception of Nigeria as a secular state without systemic secularism, Salihu emphasised CCAPAD’s multifaceted approach. Apart from stakeholder engagements, the organisation focuses on youth empowerment and aims to bridge socioeconomic gaps in society.
Yusuf Ayuba Abdullahi, the programme manager for CCAPAD, highlighted the project’s implementation in Karu, targeting three LGAs in Nasarawa State. The overarching objective is to empower community-based organisations and stakeholders to foster peaceful coexistence, protect human rights, and promote good governance.
Participants lauded the workshop’s relevance and educational value. Yakubu Abdulrahaman emphasised the need for community sensitisation about constitutional rights, highlighting the workshop’s potential to provide critical insights.
Similarly, Mary Abah, a personnel member of the Nigeria Immigration Services in Karu Division, expressed gratitude for the workshop’s focus on peace building, conflict management, and crisis avoidance.
Daily Sun gathered that the CCAPAD initiative in Nasarawa signals a concerted effort to address religious differences and calls for increased government involvement in promoting tolerance, peace, and harmony among communities.
