Politics
URBAN communities in the South of Kaduna State have been tasked to imbibe the spirit of love for neighbours, forgiveness and respect for human life to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The urban community members from Kurmin Masara, Dangoma, Goska and Zango, were given the charge during a capacity building training on freedom of religion and belief, on Saturday in Kafanchan.
The event was organised by the Justice Development and Peace Caritas of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan (JPDC) and Women Interfaith Council (WIC), with sponsorship from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is part of the Community Action for Peace and Socio-Economic Development (CAPSED) project being implemented by JDPC and WIC.
Rev. Fr Onu Ladi, CAPSED project coordinator, speaking at the training, said the exercise was informed by the need for peace in Southern Kaduna which has become a centre of violent attacks in recent times.
Ladi explained that the participants comprised traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths of both the Christian and Muslim faith.
“We have two communities each from Jema’a and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas being the epicentre of attacks in the area.
“We are very hopeful that the training will yield the desired result,” he stated
Also speaking, Mrs Elizabeth Abuk, General coordinator of WIC, stressed that it was important for communities to live in harmony as no society could develop without peace.
In a paper presentation titled, “Love for Neighbour and Peaceful Co-Existence”, Prof. Solomon Ochepa of the Kaduna State University decried absence of love in today’s society in spite of the Holy Books’ emphasis on love for neighbour.
“If you love your neighbour you won’t kidnap them for money or slaughter them in cold blood.
“We are deeply in need of love in our society today. When we love our neighbour, it leads to peaceful coexistence.
“Peaceful coexistence leads to development in all ramifications,” he stated.
Ochepa also spoke on the need for forgiveness and reconciliation as a recipe of peaceful coexistence.
Mrs Anna Avong, Director, Atan Care and Women Empowerment, Kaduna, while presenting a paper on sanctity of human life, said all lives must be valued and protected because humans were made in God’s image and likeness.
Avong also delivered a paper on justice and peace as well as honesty and truth, noting that any society that lacked them was bound to fail.
Charity Musa, one of the participants, thanked the organisers for the training, adding that she was now better equipped in relating with people around her.
Other participants, who spoke promised to step down the training to other members of their various communities. (NAN)
A.I
July 20, 2024 @ 15:22 GMT|
Tags: CAPSED Mrs Elizabeth Abuk Rev. Fr Onu Ladi
