By Dipo Olowookere
A partnership has been entered into between a foremost youth group in Nigeria, the Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative (BBLLI), and a Japan-based foundation, Niwano Peace Foundation.
The collaboration is to preach the need for peace and ethno-religious tolerance in the country so as to boost development of Nigeria.
Executive Director of BBLLI, Comrade Omaga Daniel, while speaking in Keffi, Nasarawa State, noted that, “There is no better time than now to work for peace in Nigeria along the lines of ethnicity and religion.
“We are a homogeneous people. As such, Nigerians adhere to diverse religions and their distinct manner of worship.
“However, the unifying factor is a single being. We therefore must see ourselves as one and partners in progress as a result of which we must work together to defeat acrimony and all manner of hate and division.”
Also speaking, Public Relations Officer of BBLLI, Comrade Mpakaborai Numbere, gave an insight into the forthcoming ‘Diversity for Peace and Development Project’ of the group, happening for the first time in Nigeria in conjunction with Niwano Peace Foundation.
He explained that, “The program is aimed at promoting ethno religious tolerance and peace building within Nigeria.
“Recently, parts of Nigeria have experienced deep incidences of unhealthy rivalry between members of various religious and ethnic groups some of which have resulted to breech of public peace. We therefore are stepping in to put a final stop to this peculiar issue.
“The BBLLI is working hand in hand with the Niwano Peace Foundation, Japan. We will tap from their wealth of experience and expertise in peace promotion. We will also provide local content to ensure that Nigerians are made to see the benefits of peace in their immediate environment.”
Concluding, Mr Omaga emphasised that, “What we are trying to achieve is in the interest of national security. We want to stabilize Nigeria and ensure that local communities are safe so people can live, do business and build stronger bonds of friendship and unity.
“From January 4 to 11, 2018, we will train 15 youth leaders drawn from the Keffi, Akwanga and Lafia zones of Nasarawa State.
“We will sell the message of peace, inclusiveness, religious and tribal tolerance to Nigerians. Our programs have been clearly defined and cut out to touch on the most sensitive of issues and we are optimistic that our collaboration with our Japanese partners will serve the real purpose of achieving sustainable peace in Nigeria.”
