As part of efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence among different religions, the Victus Impact Network (VINET), through its Peace Across Expressions Project, has engaged community and religious leaders in Bauchi State.
According to a statement made available to Arewa PUNCH on Saturday, the organisation paid an advocacy visit to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter.
The statement revealed that VINET’s Executive Director, Rex Stephen, explained that the initiative aims to promote interfaith collaboration and strengthen collective action for peace, tolerance, and inclusion in Bauchi communities.
He stated that the project, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, seeks to promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone areas such as Yelwa in Bauchi State.
Stephen further outlined the project’s objectives to include: “advocating for harmony across faiths, engaging youths through intra- and inter-faith activities, and organing ‘Sports 4 Peace’ tournaments as tools for community unity.”
He also disclosed that 20 youth participants from Kusu Community (10 Muslims and 10 Christians) will benefit from the initiative, alongside a Savings and Loans Group (SLG) for 20 women (10 Muslims and 10 Christians) aimed at fostering trust and social cohesioń.
On his part, the CAN Chairman, Rev. Damina applauded the youth-led initiative, describing it as a “ray of hope” for a peaceful Nigeria. He pledged CAN’s mentorship and collaboration in implementing the project.
He encouraged the team to remain steadfast in promoting peace across religious divides and cautioned against divisive rhetoric from any religious group.
Similarly, FOMWAN’s Amira, Habiba Usman, emphasised the inclusion of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts.
She pledged the organisation’s mentorship and support, describing VINET’s approach as “a refreshing model of youth-led collaboration for sustainable peace.”
Usman also commended the introduction of VINET’s Savings and Loans Group initiative for women as a tool for trust-building and social cohesion.
The statement added that other stakeholders, including the Divisional Police Officer of Yelwa and the Village Head of Yelwan Kusu, a crisis-prone community, were also visited.
