VINET Promotes Interfaith Peace Initiative in Bauchi to Foster Unity and Tolerance

As part of its drive to promote peaceful coexistence among different religious groups, the Victus Impact Network (VINET) has engaged key community and religious leaders in Bauchi State through its Peace Across Expressions Project.

During an advocacy visit, the organisation met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi State Chapter. VINET’s Executive Director, Rex Stephen, explained that the initiative, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, is designed to strengthen interfaith collaboration and collective efforts for peace, tolerance, and inclusion in communities across Bauchi, especially in conflict-prone areas such as Yelwa.

Stephen highlighted the project’s core goals, which include fostering harmony among faiths, engaging youths in intra- and inter-faith dialogues, and organising Sports 4 Peace tournaments as a means of promoting unity. He added that 20 young people—10 Muslims and 10 Christians—from Kusu Community would benefit from the initiative, alongside 20 women forming a Savings and Loans Group to enhance trust and social cohesion.

In his remarks, CAN Chairman, Rev. Damina, commended the youth-led peace initiative, describing it as “a ray of hope” for Nigeria’s unity. He pledged CAN’s mentorship and partnership in sustaining the project while urging the team to remain dedicated to promoting peace and discouraging divisive rhetoric.

Similarly, FOMWAN’s Amira, Habiba Usman, praised VINET’s inclusive approach, particularly the empowerment of women and youth in peacebuilding. She assured the group of FOMWAN’s continued support and described the initiative as “a refreshing model of youth-led collaboration for sustainable peace.” The advocacy visits also included engagements with the Divisional Police Officer of Yelwa and the Village Head of Yelwan Kusu.