A Radio Town Hall Meeting themed “Amplifying Voices for Freedom of Religion and Belief” organized by Search for Common Ground under the I-RENEW project was held at Crispan Hotel, Jos, bringing together women, youth, civil society actors, and religious leaders to amplify their voices on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and promote peaceful coexistence through inclusive dialogue.
In his keynote address, Mr. Williams Ubimago, Project Manager for Search for Common Ground, described Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) as not only a fundamental human right but a tool for peacebuilding and national development. He noted that FoRB includes the right to choose, change, and manifest one’s beliefs, whether individually or collectively.
“Freedom of religion or belief serves as a foundational tenet of societal peace, promoting tolerance, diversity, and co-existence,” Ubimago said, emphasizing that respecting FoRB leads to inclusive societies and reduces the risk of extremism. He further noted that many challenges facing Nigeria, such as violence and discrimination are rooted in religious intolerance.
Ubimago also highlighted that despite legal provisions in Nigeria’s constitution for religious freedom, gaps remain in implementation. He urged stronger collaboration between civil society, policymakers, and international organizations to promote awareness, advocate reforms, and drive inclusive governance.
Mrs. Binta, the Project Officer for I-RENEW, outlined the objectives of the Town Hall—to amplify the voices of women and youth, foster mutual understanding, and identify actionable solutions to FoRB challenges. She encouraged participants to share their experiences freely, assuring them that the forum was a safe space for honest engagement.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “Women as Agents of Change for FoRB.” Speakers such as Dr. Summaye Hamza, Fatima Suleiman, and Nuwaira Mazadu shared personal insights on how religious discrimination affects women and the vital role women play in interfaith advocacy and peacebuilding.
The women panelists emphasized that as caregivers and community influencers, women are in a strategic position to instill the values of religious freedom in their homes and beyond. They shared stories of successful initiatives led by women that foster dialogue and mutual respect across religious lines.
In the youth panel titled “Driving the Future of FoRB,” young leaders including Summaya Abubakar, Bali Nanmak, Barr. Esther Azi, and Pharm. Markus Kanda shared concerns about rising intolerance and the need for deeper youth engagement in FoRB advocacy. They called for empowerment and representation in decision-making processes.
The youth emphasized the importance of using innovative strategies, including digital platforms and creative storytelling, to promote tolerance and counter hate speech. They expressed optimism about the role young people can play in shaping a peaceful and inclusive future.
Mr. Godwin Okoko, Head of Programme Implementation at Search for Common Ground, reiterated the urgency of promoting FoRB in Nigeria. Reflecting on shared human values beyond religion, he said, “This is what we need—to talk, to listen, and to understand each other.”
Plateau-based micro-influencer Blessing Dodo also shared her reflections, stressing the powerful role women can play in shaping society through everyday interactions. “As homemakers and caregivers, women can instill the values of FoRB early, helping raise a generation that sees freedom of belief as a right, not a privilege,” she said.
The event concluded with a call for continued dialogue, community-level engagement, and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that the principles of FoRB are upheld and respected across Plateau State and Nigeria.
