The Inclusive Religious Engagement in Nigeria Enhanced by Women (I-RENEW) project has officially come to a close with a knowledge sharing event that celebrated its achievements and long-term impact in Plateau and Kaduna States. Funded by the European Union, the project was implemented by Search for Common Ground in partnership with the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre.
In her opening remarks, Gift Omoniwa, Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, described the project as a transformative intervention. She highlighted how the initiative addressed the exclusion of women and youth from religious dialogue and peacebuilding processes across both states.
“We are proud of the transformation we’ve witnessed,” Omoniwa said. “From the establishment of the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum to the rehabilitation of war-torn homes and solar light installations, this project has delivered practical results.”
She added that the project’s success has attracted government support and provided platforms for ongoing impact. According to her, one key lesson is the need for long-term engagement with institutions to sustain and expand peacebuilding outcomes.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), represented by Dr. Nantip Joseph, praised I-RENEW for its inclusive, people-centered design. She stated that the structures and platforms developed will continue to serve communities long after the project ends.
“So I-RENEW may come, it may go, but the value addition of this project remains,” she said, urging stakeholders to build on the foundations laid by the initiative. Dr. Sanda also commended the European Union for its critical role in supporting peacebuilding in Nigeria.
She listed some key outcomes, including the training of the Inter-Religious Advisory Council, development of policy briefs, and the strengthening of the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum. She reaffirmed PPBA’s readiness to sustain partnerships that promote conflict sensitivity and religious harmony.
Ruben Alba, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscored the EU’s commitment to peace and development in the country. He noted that the I-RENEW project reflects the EU’s broader strategy to support peaceful coexistence and reduce conflict in volatile regions.
“We want to showcase that it is possible to live in peace, regardless of your religion, ethnic group, or livelihood,” Alba stated. He emphasized that the EU believes in Nigeria’s potential and will continue to invest in people-driven solutions for lasting peace.
Williams Ubimago, Project Manager for Search for Common Ground, called the close-out event a moment to “harvest” the results of a 30-month journey. He said the project has generated valuable lessons and tools for advancing freedom of religion and belief at the grassroots.
“This project, actually, it’s a Freedom of Religion and Belief project that seeks to empower women and youth, as well as religious leaders in other to amplify voices that will promote freedom of religion and belief and respect the different identities that exist,” he explained.
As part of the event, Williams Ubimago, Gift Omoniwa, Joseph Kogi, Marcus Kanda, and Nelson Asoh jointly presented the I-RENEW project’s key deliverables. These included a Youth Gender FoRB Analysis, university sensitization pamphlets, policy briefs for Plateau and Kaduna States, a Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum framework, a comprehensive project scorecard, and a booklet of success stories, all developed to consolidate learning and promote future advocacy for interfaith inclusion and peace.
Fatima Aliyu, a cohort from Kaduna State, shared that the project helped change deep-rooted attitudes in her community. She pointed to activities like football matches, solar installations, and borehole projects that encouraged unity. “With or without funding, the passion for peace must continue,” she affirmed.
From Plateau State, Blessing Lubo reflected on her personal transformation through the I-RENEW training. “I have moved from the place of sympathy, when it has to do with people of other faiths, to empathy… from the level of tolerance to respecting people’s religion,” she said. Blessing added that she is now more committed to promoting understanding and protecting religious freedom in her community.
