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The head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS,Reuben Alba,reaffirmed the EU's dedication to peace, inclusivity, and community development in Nigeria.
He made these remarks on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State, during the conclusion of the Inclusive Religious Engagement in Nigeria Enhanced by Women initiative, a 30-month peace-building project funded by the EU and executed by Search for Common Ground in cooperation with various partners.
Alba highlighted that the I-RENEW project showcases the EU's commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and resilience in areas prone to conflict. “We aim to demonstrate that living in peace is possible, irrespective of religion, ethnic background, or livelihood,” he stated.
According to PUNCH Online, the I-RENEW project has achieved significant progress in promoting religious inclusion and empowering marginalized groups in Plateau and Kaduna States.
Some accomplishments of the project include the establishment of the Plateau Youths Interfaith Forum, rehabilitation of homes affected by conflict, and the installation of solar lights in vulnerable communities.
Reflecting on the project’s journey, Williams Ubimago, Project Manager at Search for Common Ground, described the final event as an opportunity to “harvest the results of a long-term investment in freedom of religion and belief (FoRB).”
He noted that I-RENEW not only focused on mitigating conflict but also on amplifying the voices of women, youth, and faith leaders to promote religious rights and community inclusion. In related news, the NDLEA apprehended a Chinese individual, an 80-year-old grandmother, and others for drug trafficking.
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Delivering the keynote speech on behalf of Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, Nantip Joseph praised I-RENEW’s inclusive and community-driven model and stressed that the frameworks developed during the project would remain community assets beyond its duration.
He urged stakeholders to build on the foundation established by the initiative. Gift Omoniwa, Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, described the project as a transformative intervention addressing the exclusion of women and youth in religious and peace-building discussions.
“We take pride in the transformation we have seen. This initiative has produced not just activities but sustainable outcomes that continue to garner support and influence institutional responses,” Omoniwa commented.
Fatima Aliyu from the Kaduna Cohort shared stories of both personal and communal change, mentioning initiatives such as football matches, boreholes, and solar-powered community centers.
Blessing Lubo from the Plateau Cohort stressed a transition from mere religious tolerance to authentic empathy and interfaith respect, promising to keep advocating for religious freedom within her community.
The event concluded with a call to stakeholders, government bodies, and community members to maintain the momentum generated by I-RENEW and expand its inclusive models for broader peace-building initiatives throughout Nigeria.
