By Emmanuel Kwada
His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has praised the efforts of Faith & Freedom Africa (FFA) in advancing interreligious peace, freedom of religion, and national unity across Nigeria.
The commendation came during an advocacy visit by the leadership of Faith & Freedom Africa to the revered traditional ruler as part of the organisation’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders committed to promoting dialogue, peacebuilding, and human rights in the country.
Speaking during the meeting, the Etsu Nupe described the promotion of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence as a noble and important mission, noting that fostering mutual understanding among people of different faiths remains essential to Nigeria’s stability and development.
According to the monarch, initiatives that encourage tolerance, respect, and dialogue among diverse religious communities are critical to strengthening national cohesion and reducing tensions that often arise from misunderstandings and divisions.
He commended Faith & Freedom Africa for its commitment to creating platforms for constructive engagement and understanding among Nigerians, regardless of their religious backgrounds.
The traditional ruler also specifically acknowledged the Country Representative of the organisation, Mr. Felix Samari, for spearheading the advocacy visit and sustaining efforts aimed at promoting conversations around interfaith harmony, religious freedom, and social cohesion.
The Etsu Nupe emphasized that traditional and religious leaders have a crucial responsibility in guiding their communities toward peace and mutual respect, adding that partnerships between civil society organisations and community leaders are necessary for achieving lasting peace.
Earlier, the Country Representative of Faith & Freedom Africa, Mr. Felix Samari, expressed gratitude to the Etsu Nupe for receiving the delegation and for his longstanding contributions to peacebuilding and national unity.
Samari also appreciated the support of respected religious and traditional leaders across the country, including the Chairman of the National Mosque, Abuja, whom he described as playing a fatherly role in fostering interfaith understanding and promoting freedom of religion in Nigeria.
He explained that the visit formed part of Faith & Freedom Africa’s broader strategy of engaging influential traditional and religious institutions, recognizing their significant role in shaping public attitudes, resolving conflicts, and fostering peaceful coexistence.
According to him, sustainable peace can only be achieved through collaboration among government institutions, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, and civil society groups working towards common goals.
Samari further stated that Faith & Freedom Africa remains committed to promoting human rights, religious liberty, dialogue, and mutual respect among Nigerians of all faiths.
He added that the organisation would continue to seek the wisdom, guidance, and support of respected leaders across the country as it expands its initiatives aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and building a more united society.
The visit highlights the growing recognition of traditional institutions as vital partners in efforts to address religious tensions, encourage dialogue, and promote the values of tolerance and unity in Nigeria’s diverse society.
Faith & Freedom Africa has continued to advocate for the protection of freedom of religion or belief while encouraging peaceful engagement among religious communities as part of wider efforts to support social harmony and national development.
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