Trace Reporters –The Zaman Tare Project Team of Caritas Nigeria has visited Barkallahu Community in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state in furtherance to its Intercultural and interreligious conference in 8 strategic communities across 4 local government areas of the state.
The project is funded by European Union (EU) in partnership with CAFOD and DREP among others
The conference with the Theme ” Preventing Ethno Religious Conflict in a Pluralistic Society ” was held on Wednesday with different groups of Women and Girls, Men and youths and community leaders among others brainstorming on issues of cultural and religious tolerance
The Facilitator of the conference, Mr David Madami , impressed by the outcome of interaction by the participants said ” l think people are getting sensitized now especially this community of Barakallahu because Zaman Tare is doing alot
” and from the interaction we had so far they have been able to tell what they have been doing as a community, as Christians and Muslims, they have already come together, in fact, from the testimony we had from them
” Most of them have agreed as members of the community irrespective of their religious or ethnic colloration resolved that once there’s conflict in the state that threatens their peace, they usually will rise to protect their community against intruders/invaders coming to instigate them from neighbouring communities.
According to him, the community further testified on the existing tolerance and harmonious coexistence in the community especially during religious festivities
” I think the are getting to understand the essence of Zaman Tare project ” Adding ‘ I think this initiative should be extended to other communities especially, kafanchan and other areas as suggested by a participant” he stated
Similarly, the Sarki Barallahu, represented by the Majindadin Barakallahu, Alhaji Yakubu Adamu, while commending Zaman Tare initiative said ” infact we are happy with Zaman Tare and we pray that God will bless and increase them
” we will go and tell our people and subjects and sensitize them in our position as traditional/community leaders, we will tell them the truth and encourage them to know that living together is the only thing that is good. Zaman Tare is progress and important and is all we need to move forward as a state and country “he stressed
On his part a Pastor and community leader, Mr Istifanus Kwom while expressing delight with the visit to their community said the meeting has been able to profer solutions to matters of sustainable peace in their community
He however noted that as a community they don’t really have problems of crises in Barakallahu even when conflicts occur in Kaduna, but further said that there is the need to sit up not to experience any conflict in their community in future.
Hajia Ramatu Abdullahi, Women leader Z/ Tare, while appreciating the initiators of Zaman Tare as it continues to make communities better said the issue raised on intermarriage between Christians and Muslims especially between a Christian Man and a Muslim girl as same apply to the Muslim Man and a Christian girl is germane in ensuring lasting peace.
Adding that, she witnessed one between a Muslim girl and a Christian man with the full backing of the bride’s father, who said he sees nothing in that as long as they love themselves and she’s free to practice her faith. She then called on parents to live in peace with every one irrespective of one’s faith
Lending her voice, one of the youth participants, Miss Daniel Patience, said we can live peacefully as one by coming together and drop any form of inequality, irritation, discrimination along religious and ethnic lines, while advocating for religious liberty and rights especially,when it comes to the issue of interreligious marriage.
On his part, the Youth leader of Zaman Tare in Barakallahu, Ibrahim Zubairu Yuguda said ” we appreciate Zaman Tare and God for the work of peace and tolerance in our community
He maintained that any one that will call you and encourage you on how to live in peace with your neighbour or brother and sister has indeed given you a great asset
” and after the meeting, we will step down what we heard, since over 30_youths in attendance here belong to several youth groups “he stated
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