FFA Advocates Religious Freedom, Interfaith Harmony at Kano Town Hall Meeting

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) has called for stronger protection of religious freedom and greater investment in interfaith dialogue as key pillars for promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The call was made during a town hall meeting organized by the organization in Kano State, where stakeholders from different religious and social backgrounds gathered to discuss issues surrounding Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and the need for mutual respect among citizens regardless of faith.

The event provided a platform for participants to engage in frank discussions on religious tolerance, equality, and social inclusion. Attendees emphasized that meaningful interfaith dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for addressing religious misunderstandings and strengthening national cohesion.

Speaking during the session, participants shared personal experiences of discrimination and exclusion based on their religious identities, highlighting the challenges faced by minorities in some communities.

One participant, an indigenous Hausa Christian woman, recounted how she lived peacefully within her rural community but later experienced discrimination after relocating to a different environment because of her faith.

The discussions underscored the need for deliberate efforts by government institutions, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Participants also stressed the importance of upholding constitutional and international guarantees of religious freedom. They referenced Section 38(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which protects every individual’s right to freely practice and manifest their beliefs.

According to stakeholders, effective implementation of these provisions would contribute significantly to national peace, justice, and social harmony.

They further urged authorities to establish stronger mechanisms for addressing violations of religious freedom and to institutionalize interfaith dialogue across communities.

The event was attended by members of the Faith and Freedom Africa team from Abuja, Kaduna, Jos, and Yola, led by the Country Representative, Mr. Felix Joseph Samari. Preparations for the programme were coordinated by Mrs. Ruth Abner, who arrived in Kano ahead of the event to oversee arrangements.

A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of a Peace Ambassador Award to Mr. Samari by a Kano-based organization in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding, religious freedom advocacy, and interfaith engagement.

Participants described the town hall meeting as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that sustained dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups would help build a more peaceful, tolerant, and united Nigeria.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to continue advocating for religious freedom, mutual respect, and inclusive engagement as essential foundations for national development and lasting peace.