The Catholic Arch Diocese of Jos has constituted a dialogue and reconciliation centre aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence and mediating between warring factions in Jos, Plateau State.

At the inauguration ceremony in Jos yesterday, the Arch bishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama stated that the aim of setting up the centre was to serve as a rallying point for various stakeholders regardless of political, ethnic or religious inclinations. He said both Muslims and Christians were still suspicious of each other and therefore an avenue which enabled dialogue and communication between the two faiths was essential to eliminate the raging mis-trust.

He said the new centre would serve as an auspice where both victims and perpetuators of conflicts could come together under a neutral atmosphere to discuss and iron out their differences. He further stated that there were more things that bind us together as Nigerians than divide us. And that in spite of our political, religious and ethnic differences we are bound together by our common humanity to realize our hopes and dreams, because that is what God expects.

At the event were several notable personalities who also took time to re-emphasize the points made by the Arch Bishop –some of these included the Chief Imam of Jos -Sheikh Balarabe Dawud, the Emir of Wase -Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, leaders of various Fulani communities, Special adviser to the State Governor on peace building -Barister Parlong, the State Commisioner of Police -Mr Chris Olakpe, the JTF Spokesperson -Capt. Mustapha Salisu and members of civil societies.

The Catholic Arch Diocese of Jos has constituted a dialogue and reconciliation centre aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence and mediating between warring factions in Jos, Plateau State.

At the inauguration ceremony in Jos yesterday, the Arch bishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama stated that the aim of setting up the centre was to serve as a rallying point for various stakeholders regardless of political, ethnic or religious inclinations. He said both Muslims and Christians were still suspicious of each other and therefore an avenue which enabled dialogue and communication between the two faiths was essential to eliminate the raging mis-trust.

He said the new centre would serve as an auspice where both victims and perpetuators of conflicts could come together under a neutral atmosphere to discuss and iron out their differences. He further stated that there were more things that bind us together as Nigerians than divide us. And that in spite of our political, religious and ethnic differences we are bound together by our common humanity to realize our hopes and dreams, because that is what God expects.

At the event were several notable personalities who also took time to re-emphasize the points made by the Arch Bishop –some of these included the Chief Imam of Jos -Sheikh Balarabe Dawud, the Emir of Wase -Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, leaders of various Fulani communities, Special adviser to the State Governor on peace building -Barister Parlong, the State Commisioner of Police -Mr Chris Olakpe, the JTF Spokesperson -Capt. Mustapha Salisu and members of civil societies.

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Catholic Arch Diocese of Jos sets up inter-faith peace centre