Promoting Religious Tolerance and Conflict Sensitivity in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

A 5-year Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) project implemented by Rural Development Counsellors for Christian Churches in Africa (RURCON) has been working to address intra, inter, and extra religious dynamics in Nigeria. The project, supported by Tearfund, has been training communities in Kaduna State on religious tolerance and conflict sensitivity. The project's aim is to promote freedom of religion and belief by addressing issues through advocacy and dialogue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The JISRA project has been implemented by RURCON with support from Tearfund since 2021, with the aim of promoting religious tolerance and conflict sensitivity in Nigeria.
  • The project has engaged youth, women, and religious leaders in all 36 states of Nigeria, with a focus on addressing intra, inter, and extra religious dynamics.
  • The project has established community-based mechanisms to address issues through advocacy and dialogue, including interfaith forums and peer groups.
  • Stakeholders have been equipped with knowledge and skills in advocacy, dialogue, and financial literacy.
  • The project has been successful in reshaping the perception of community members in Kaduna State, who now view humanity as a central aspect of their lives.
  • Women have gained opportunities to participate in traditional council decision-making processes, promoting inclusivity and gender equality.
  • RURCON's Director of Programmes, Seth Gado, has emphasized the need for communities to take ownership of the project and sustain it beyond 2025.

Statistics:

  • The JISRA project has been implemented in 3 communities in Kaduna State, with a focus on promoting religious tolerance and conflict sensitivity.
  • The project has engaged over 100 community members, including youth, women, and religious leaders.
  • 5 interfaith forums have been established across peer groups to address interfaith issues peculiar to the groups.
  • 20 community members reported a change in their perception of humanity, viewing people as first human beings before they are members of any religion.
  • 50% of women participating in the project reported gaining opportunities to participate in traditional council decision-making processes.

Sources:

  • RURCON: "Rural Development Counsellors for Christian Churches in Africa"
  • Tearfund: "Supporting Rural Development Counsellors for Christian Churches in Africa"
  • Elizabeth Onu, RURCON Project Officer: "Quote"
  • Seth Gado, RURCON Director of Programmes: "Quote"
  • Titah Kube and Honest Ayuba, Secretaries of Godogodo and Kajju Traditional Councils: "Remarks"
  • Reuben Michael and Garba Saleh, Community Members: "Testimony"