Month: August 2026

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Abuja to Host 5,000 Christian Leaders as Lausanne Nigeria Congress Holds in October

The Lausanne Nigeria Christian Missions has announced plans to convene about 5,000 church leaders, missionaries, theological educators, young Christian leaders and marketplace professionals at the first national Lausanne gathering in Nigeria in more than a decade.

The Lausanne Nigeria Congress 2026 is scheduled to hold from October 27 to 30 at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, under the theme, “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together.”

According to the organisers, registration for the four-day congress is now open, with delegates expected from major Christian denominations and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The congress represents Nigeria’s national expression of the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation, which brought together more than 5,000 Christian leaders from over 200 countries in Incheon, South Korea, in September 2024.

The organisers said the Abuja gathering would provide a platform for church leaders and mission practitioners to strengthen collaboration and develop strategies for advancing Christian mission in Nigeria and beyond.

The four-day programme will feature plenary teaching, issue network deliberations, intercessory prayer, intergenerational dialogue and a public commissioning.

Discussions will focus on a range of issues, including frontier missions and unreached peoples, theological education, faith in the public square, business as mission, media and digital innovation, diaspora and migration, as well as student and youth ministry.

Speaking on the significance of the congress, National Chairman of Lausanne Nigeria and General Secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu Jnr, described Nigeria as both a mission field and an emerging mission force.

“Nigeria is no longer merely a mission field. She is a mission force. More than fifteen thousand Nigerian missionaries are already serving in over fifty countries, while within our own borders more than forty peoples still wait for the gospel,” he said.

Nmadu stressed that the congress was designed to bring together the wider Nigerian Church rather than a select group of Christian leaders.

“This Congress is not for a select few. It is for the whole Church, the whole gospel, the whole world,” he added.

Also speaking, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Lausanne Nigeria Christian Missions, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, called for greater unity and collaboration among Christian denominations, mission agencies and generations of leaders.

“For too long we have laboured in parallel. Denominations building alone. Agencies running alone. Generations praying alone. This is our God-given moment to come together as one body, one gospel and one mission force for the nations,” Ndukuba said.

The Lausanne Movement traces its roots to the 1974 International Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne, Switzerland, convened by renowned evangelist Billy Graham.

The gathering brought together about 2,400 Christian leaders from 150 nations and resulted in the Lausanne Covenant, which was drafted under the chairmanship of British theologian and pastor John R. W. Stott.

The organisers said the partnership between Graham and Stott helped shape the global mission movement for decades, with subsequent milestones including the Manila Manifesto of 1989, the Cape Town Commitment of 2010 and the Seoul Statement of 2024.

The Lausanne Nigeria Congress follows a series of activities aimed at strengthening collaboration among Nigerian church, mission and marketplace leaders.

In March 2026, Lausanne Nigeria hosted the Global Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement, Dr. Michael Oh, in Abuja for a Global Mission Conversation focused on strategic collaboration for global impact.

The October congress is expected to build on that engagement by bringing the conversation to a wider national platform.

Registration Opens

Delegate registration for the congress is currently open and will close on September 30, 2026.

Register Here: lausanne.org

Nigerian delegates are required to pay ₦50,000, while international delegates will pay US$200.

The organisers said group registration is available for denominations, mission agencies, seminaries and professional fellowships sending multiple delegates.

They also announced that sponsorship opportunities are available to support participation by frontier missionaries, younger leaders and delegates from under-resourced regions.

Institutions interested in deeper involvement can also apply to serve as Hosting Organisations for the congress.

Further information and registration details are available through the Lausanne Nigeria platform.

The Lausanne Nigeria Christian Missions said it is the national expression of the global Lausanne Movement in Nigeria and operates as a registered Incorporated Trustee based in Abuja.

Its Board of Trustees is chaired by Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, while Rev. Dr. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu Jnr chairs the National Leadership. Dr. Joshua Utele chairs the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 congress.

The global Lausanne Movement is a fellowship of Christian leaders committed to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ in every nation and sphere of society. It is led by Global Executive Director, Dr. Michael Oh.

For Enquiry call: +234 803 960 8804 or +234 803 973 2643.

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Governor Mutfwang Rejects Hisba in Plateau State, Orders Security Agencies to Act

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has rejected the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name HISBA in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable in the state.

Governor Mutfwang, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, directed security agencies to immediately identify and investigate individuals involved in the reported activities.

The directive followed reports alleging that members of the group had been involved in the intimidation, harassment and extortion of residents, as well as the imposition of unauthorised rules and restrictions.

The governor warned those involved to immediately desist from such activities or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

Mutfwang stressed that Plateau State has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, noting that no individual or group has the legal right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law.

He said the government would not allow the emergence of any parallel authority or self-appointed enforcement body seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework.

“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” the governor stated.

He therefore directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law, including individuals promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting such activities, where sufficient evidence is established.

The security agencies were also directed to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved and ensure residents are protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion and unlawful coercion.

Governor Mutfwang clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, stressing that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds who are entitled to equal protection under the law.

He said the issue before the government was strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, adding that every resident has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.

The governor also commended members of the public who alerted authorities to the reported activities and assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.

Mutfwang reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

He further pledged to protect Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds while ensuring that citizens are treated equally and the rule of law remains supreme.

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Tinubu Supporters Defeat Obidient Team 2–0 in Novelty Match Ahead of 2027 Election

A novelty football match organised in Abuja in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid has ended with the Tinubu-supporting team defeating the Obidient team 2–0.

The match, sponsored by Seyi Tinubu, was described by organisers as part of efforts to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ikenna Azomchine, popularly known as the “Obedient General,” said he was participating because of his belief in Nigeria and called for continued political engagement and unity.

Azomchine disclosed that he had personally informed Seyi Tinubu about the novelty match, adding that although Seyi could not attend the event, he had promised to be present at a subsequent edition.

The event also featured remarks from members of the Tinubu-supporting groups, including the City Boy Movement, Renewed Hope Youth Engagement and BMT Football Club.

A representative of BMT Football Club thanked Seyi Tinubu and the City Boy Group for sponsoring the tournament and expressed support for President Tinubu’s return to office in 2027.

The representative also urged supporters to keep their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) safe and pledged that members of the group would not only vote for Tinubu in 2027 but also protect their votes.

Reacting to the result, organisers congratulated the winners and noted that the 2–0 victory over the Obidient team symbolised their confidence in Tinubu’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 election.

The event ended with calls for greater grassroots mobilisation and continued support for President Tinubu’s administration.

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Police Parade Two Doctors, Two Others Over Alleged Organ Harvesting Syndicate in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two medical doctors, allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to the police, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) arrested the suspects during a sting operation conducted around 6pm on August 19 in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and 25-year-old David Idoko.

Police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered as exhibits.

During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences.

He reportedly disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he lured a 22-year-old man, Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.

Another victim reportedly alleged that Ode lured him to a hospital in 2022, where his kidney was allegedly harvested. He claimed he was paid ₦7 million.

Investigators said the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, taking advantage of their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.

The police further alleged that members of the syndicate forged documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged operations.

The Force said investigations were ongoing, while efforts were being made to arrest other suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.

The police reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.

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Mother Allegedly Connives With Suspect To Stage K!dnapping Of 2-Year-Old Son For N15m Ran$om In Jos

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested suspects allegedly linked to the staged kidnapping of a two-year-old boy in Jos, Plateau State, as well as a separate kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate uncovered during intelligence-led operations.

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), according to a statement issued on Friday, August 28, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.

In the first case, police arrested 34-year-old Nansik Wuyep Sule in connection with the reported abduction of two-year-old Rito Jesse Davou.

According to the police, investigations revealed that Sule allegedly connived with the child’s biological mother, Catherine Davou, to stage the kidnapping and create the impression that the boy had been abducted.

The police said an initial ransom demand of N7 million was made. Further investigations reportedly revealed that the child was being kept at Sule’s residence, where the ransom demand was allegedly increased to N15 million.

Another suspect, Luka Emmanuel Butdam, was also arrested for allegedly making ransom-related calls to the child’s grandmother.

Police operatives subsequently located and rescued the child. He was given medical attention before being reunited with his biological father.

In a separate operation, the IRT arrested Idris Mohammed, popularly known as Yellow, and Mohammed Bello Adams over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a commercial driver and other criminal activities.

The police said investigations revealed that the victim, Idris Zakari Baba, was allegedly lured by Mohammed under the pretext of transporting him from Abuja to Zaria.

He was reportedly intercepted by armed men, taken into the bush and held captive until a ransom of N3 million was paid.

His 2012 Toyota Corolla was later traced to Bauchi State and recovered while Mohammed was allegedly attempting to sell the vehicle.

Further investigations, the police said, linked the suspects to the alleged kidnapping of Pastor David Dahni and his driver, Abdullahi Abubakar, during which a ransom of N10.5 million was reportedly paid.

The Force said investigations into both cases are ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying other persons allegedly involved and determining the full extent of the suspects’ activities.

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CDCFIB Shortlists NSCDC, Immigration, Correctional, Fire Service Applicants for Physical Screening

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has advanced the 2024/2025 recruitment exercise for four paramilitary agencies to the physical screening and document verification stage.

Applicants who took part in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in November 2025 have been directed to check their shortlisting status through the official recruitment portal.

The board disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary, Maj Gen Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), on Friday.

According to the statement, applicants can access the portal, recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 20, to confirm their status.

Shortlisted candidates are required to log in with the Application Number issued during registration. They will then upload their credentials and select a preferred date and venue for physical screening.

The CDCFIB urged applicants to carefully follow all instructions on the portal and warned them against paying money to individuals, agents or groups claiming to have influence over the recruitment process.

The board stressed that the exercise is completely free and that no payment should be made for shortlisting, venue allocation, document upload, access to screening centres or final selection.

It also cautioned the public against fake recruitment messages, fraudulent links and unauthorised persons claiming to represent the board.

The recruitment exercise covers the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).

The exercise commenced with online applications in July 2025, followed by the CBT in November 2025.

The board had earlier said the recruitment was in its final stages and would be concluded within four weeks, stressing that it would not sacrifice justice, merit, federal character and due process in an effort to speed up the process.

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Alfred Dapal Damiyal Remains the Best Alternative for a Progressive Plateau

By Mustapha Garba Abdullahi

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Plateau State, attention is increasingly turning to the quality of leadership the state requires to overcome its developmental challenges and unlock its enormous potential.

Among the names being discussed in the emerging political landscape is Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD), whose supporters and political associates continue to position him as a credible alternative for a new direction in the governance of Plateau State.

For a state endowed with agricultural resources, tourism potential, human capital and a strategic geographical position, the central question going into 2027 should not simply be which political platform produces the next candidate. Rather, it should be which candidate possesses the vision, competence, experience and courage required to translate Plateau’s potential into measurable development.

It is against this background that Damiyal’s political proposition has continued to attract attention.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE

Dapal’s supporters argue that Plateau needs leadership capable of moving the state away from politics centred predominantly on political appointments and patronage towards a governance model driven by productivity, investment and human development.

His NEWTHINKING philosophy places emphasis on a new approach to leadership one that seeks to combine transparency, inclusion, innovation, human-centred development, integrity and good governance.

The proposition is particularly significant at a time when many young Plateau citizens are demanding more than political promises. They want access to employment, quality education, affordable healthcare, opportunities for entrepreneurship and an environment in which businesses can survive and expand.

INDUSTRIALISATION AND JOB CREATION

One of the most important issues that should dominate the 2027 political debate is the economic future of Plateau State.

The state’s dependence on statutory allocations cannot provide the level of prosperity its citizens deserve. Plateau must develop an economy capable of generating wealth internally and creating sustainable employment.

This requires deliberate investment in industrialisation, agriculture, agro-processing, small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, technology and other productive sectors.

Dapal’s supporters believe his professional and entrepreneurial exposure could bring a private-sector-oriented perspective to government, with greater emphasis on efficiency, investment attraction and job creation.

The objective, in their view, should be to transform Plateau from primarily a consuming economy into a productive and investment-friendly economy.

SECURITY AS A DEVELOPMENT PRIORITY

No meaningful economic transformation can take place without security.

Plateau has, over the years, experienced security challenges that have affected communities, agricultural activities, businesses and livelihoods.

The next administration will therefore face the critical task of creating an environment where citizens can farm, trade, travel and invest without fear.

A comprehensive security strategy must go beyond reactive responses. It should involve intelligence gathering, community engagement, collaboration with security agencies, early-warning mechanisms and measures that address the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to insecurity.

For Dapal’s supporters, security is not merely a law-and-order issue. It is an economic and developmental issue.

BUILDING A UNITED PLATEAU

Another major issue likely to shape the 2027 contest is the question of unity.

Plateau’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but political competition can sometimes deepen existing divisions.

The state requires leadership capable of building bridges across political, ethnic, religious and geographical lines.

The next governor should be a leader for all Plateau citizens not only those who supported him at the polls.

This is particularly important because sustainable development requires cooperation among communities, traditional institutions, religious organisations, professional groups, businesses, civil society and government.

INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL

Beyond roads and physical infrastructure, Plateau’s greatest resource remains its people.

Education, healthcare and skills development must therefore occupy a central place in the state’s development agenda.

The emerging political debate should focus on how to equip young people with relevant skills, improve learning outcomes, strengthen healthcare delivery and create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

A government that invests in its people creates an enduring foundation for economic growth.

THE 2027 QUESTION

The 2027 governorship election will inevitably generate competing political interests, personalities and narratives.

But beyond the political calculations, the people of Plateau have an opportunity to demand a higher standard of political discourse.

The electorate can ask every aspirant difficult questions:

What is your economic plan?

How many jobs will your policies create?

How will you attract investment?

How will you improve security?

How will you strengthen education and healthcare?

How will you unite the state?

And, perhaps most importantly, what makes you different from what Plateau has experienced before?

It is within this context that Alfred Dapal Damiyal’s candidacy continues to attract attention from those seeking an alternative political and developmental direction for the state.

A CHOICE ABOUT THE FUTURE

Ultimately, the debate surrounding 2027 should not be reduced to personalities or political propaganda. It should be about the future of Plateau.

The state needs leadership that can convert its agricultural potential into wealth, its human capital into innovation, its natural resources into responsible economic opportunities and its diversity into a foundation for unity.

For his supporters, Alfred Dapal Damiyal represents that possibility.

Whether the electorate ultimately embraces his proposition will be determined by the political process and, ultimately, by the voters.

But one argument remains central to the emerging debate: if Plateau is serious about a new direction, industrialisation, job creation, inclusive development and purposeful governance, Alfred Dapal Damiyal remains a significant alternative deserving serious consideration.

The 2027 election may therefore be more than another contest for political power. It could be an opportunity for Plateau to decide what kind of leadership and what kind of future it wants.

Mustapha Garba Abdullahi
Nurse/Political Analyst

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Tinubu Orders Forensic Audit of IPPIS, Government Agencies Over Ghost Workers, Fraud

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of Federal Government systems, including the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the audit will cover IPPIS, Federal Government agencies and their administrative and internal control systems.

The exercise follows a resolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on August 19, 2026, after findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) uncovered alleged fake government agencies, ghost workers and other control failures.

The Presidency said the audit is intended to determine the extent of weaknesses within government’s control systems and establish how such loopholes may have been exploited.

The audit will have two major components.

The first will focus on a forensic review of government systems, particularly IPPIS and related payroll, personnel, pension and financial management platforms.

The review will investigate reported cases of ghost workers and payroll fraud, reconcile figures identified by the ICPC, trace how fictitious or ineligible persons were enrolled and examine access, identity, biometric and bank account controls.

It will also assess the links between IPPIS and other government platforms, including the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), Remita, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Sub-Treasury Account.

The exercise will determine whether identified fraud resulted from system defects, procedural failures, weak segregation of duties or deliberate circumvention of controls.

The second component will cover all Federal Government ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, councils, parastatals and other government bodies.

The audit team will establish a definitive inventory of government entities and verify their legal status. It will also examine how such bodies obtain official recognition, receive budgetary allocations, access government facilities and correspondence privileges, and gain access to government systems.

In addition, governance, procurement, internal audit and oversight mechanisms across government will be assessed to identify and close systemic weaknesses that could allow irregular entities or individuals to access public resources.

President Tinubu directed that the exercise be carried out with the highest standards of independence, professionalism and forensic integrity.

The Presidency said the audit team would have access to relevant government records and systems and would work with the ICPC to ensure that the review complements ongoing investigations, prosecutions and recovery efforts.

Onanuga said the President expects the exercise to go beyond identifying individual cases of fraud or administrative failure.

Rather, the audit is expected to strengthen government systems, close systemic loopholes, improve data verification and reconciliation, reinforce accountability and ensure that only legally constituted government entities and eligible personnel have access to public resources.

The Presidency said the exercise further demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, fiscal governance and institutional integrity across the Federal Government.

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Plateau Peace Forum Promotes Religious Tolerance, Warns Against Youth Manipulation Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Plateau State Peace Building Agency has called for greater religious tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence among the diverse faith communities in the state, while warning against the manipulation of young people for electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the August 2026 edition of the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum (PPAF), held on August 27, 2026, at the Odilins Event Centre in Jos, under the proposed theme, “Understanding Freedom of Religion or Belief from Diverse Perspectives: Promoting Religious Tolerance, Inclusion and Preventing the Manipulation of Youth for Electoral Violence.”

The forum brought together representatives of Christian, Muslim, Hare Krishna, African Traditional Religion and other religious bodies, alongside peace practitioners, human rights advocates, government representatives and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, described freedom of religion or belief as fundamental to human dignity, inclusion, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.

Sanda stressed the importance of recognising Plateau’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, while commemorating victims of violence linked to religion or belief.

She urged participants to remember past tragedies not to reopen old wounds or apportion blame, but to learn from them and strengthen the collective commitment to peace. She cited instances in which Christians protected Muslims and Muslims protected Christians during periods of crisis as examples of solidarity and shared humanity.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Sanda called for increased attention to young people, urging them to reject misinformation, hate speech and attempts to manipulate them into electoral violence.

She also encouraged religious leaders, government institutions, security agencies and citizens to move beyond mere tolerance towards genuine inclusion and take practical steps to promote peaceful elections.

Sanda maintained that Plateau’s diversity should be viewed as a strength when anchored on mutual respect, inclusion and shared responsibility.

President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, Nanman Bali, commended the Peace Architecture Forum for sustaining conversations around peace and religious freedom. She urged religious leaders and young people to promote unity and resist attempts to weaponise religion for political purposes.

Bali also called for responsible use of social media, positive orientation of young people and wider dissemination of messages promoting religious freedom, tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

The State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Kiyenpiya Mafuyai, commended the Plateau State Peace Building Agency for sustaining the forum as a platform for dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

She emphasised that dialogue remains critical to improving understanding and building sustainable peace. Mafuyai also welcomed the commemoration of victims of violence based on religion or belief and called for support for affected persons.

She described freedom of religion and belief as a fundamental human right and condemned the use of religion to promote hatred or violence, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Represented by Rev. Nehemiah Michael, Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Religious Affairs, commended the Plateau State Peace Building Agency for convening the timely forum. He stressed that freedom of religion or belief means worshipping freely, disagreeing without hatred and respecting the humanity of others. As the 2027 elections approach, he urged stakeholders to equip young people to recognise manipulation and misinformation. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to building a Plateau where faith unites rather than divides.

Reverend Professor Pandam Yamsat, co-chairman of the Plateau State Interreligious Council, urged participants to translate discussions into concrete action, stressing that stakeholders must “walk their talk.”

Yamsat said religion should serve as a force for unity and human development rather than personal or political interests. He also called for the recognition and inclusion of religious beliefs beyond Christianity and Islam.

Representing the co-chairman of the Plateau State Interreligious Council, HRH Alhaji Muhammed Sambo Haruna, the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Gazali Adam, said freedom of religion or belief was fundamental to security, peace and sustainable development.

He stressed that protecting religious minorities, places of worship and individual dignity would strengthen social trust and reduce the risk of violence.

Representing Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security to the Plateau State Governor, the Director of Programmes at the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Nantip Joseph, described freedom of belief as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege.

Kwaja called for greater understanding, accommodation and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, warning against the use of religion to fuel hatred, fear and political violence ahead of 2027.

He urged political, religious and community leaders to promote dignity, peace and inclusion, stressing that commemorating victims of violence must translate into concrete action against hate speech, discrimination, incitement and impunity.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Rev. Dr. Sylvester Dachomo, who called for acceptance, tolerance and inclusion among people of different faiths.

Dachomo described freedom of religion as a universal human right that allows individuals to choose, change, practise or abandon their beliefs. Reflecting on Plateau’s religious diversity and history of violence, he stressed that peaceful coexistence is essential to the survival and development of the state.

He urged citizens to see Nigeria as their shared home and respect its religious diversity, stressing that no person should be treated as an enemy because of their faith.

The forum also featured a panel discussion coordinated by Hajiya Amina Muhammad on “Promoting Religious Tolerance, Inclusion and Preventing the Manipulation of Youth for Electoral Violence,” with discussions highlighting the experiences of untold heroes from Tina Junction and Anguwan Rogo in Jos.

A plenary and open dialogue, coordinated by Salis Abdulsalam, founder of Face of Peace, focused on “What Will It Take? Strengthening Religious Inclusion, Trust and Shared Responsibility for Peace in Plateau State.”

The event concluded with action points and feedback aimed at strengthening religious inclusion, interfaith dialogue, responsible youth engagement and collective efforts towards peaceful coexistence and violence-free elections in Plateau State.

The forum reinforced a shared message among stakeholders: “One Nigeria, Many Beliefs, Shared Future.”

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Canada Announces Recruitment Drive for Nigerian Health Workers, Other Skilled Professionals

The Canadian government has announced plans to attract skilled health and social service professionals, including qualified workers from Nigeria and other countries, to address shortages in its healthcare system.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said Canada is seeking qualified nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers to fill critical gaps and provide essential services to Canadians.

The agency encouraged foreign professionals with relevant training, credentials and work experience to explore available Canadian immigration pathways and opportunities to build their careers in the country.

Beyond healthcare and social services, Canada is also seeking skilled professionals in key sectors including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), skilled trades, defence, cybersecurity, critical minerals and education.

According to the IRCC, international professionals can benefit from diverse career opportunities with employers across Canada, as well as safe and stable communities where they and their families can live and thrive.

The Canadian government also highlighted access to quality education and training opportunities, along with dedicated services for French-speaking newcomers.

Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released 10 important tips for travellers, immigrants and prospective citizens aimed at helping applicants submit complete applications and avoid unnecessary processing delays.

The guidance urges applicants to carefully review application requirements, provide accurate information, submit all required documents and respond promptly to requests from immigration officials.

The Canadian government said many application delays can be prevented by completing forms correctly, supplying the necessary supporting documents and following official instructions before submitting an application.