www.unilorin.edu.ng
Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin
vc@unilorin.edu.ng
Being a lecture delivered at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Programme for
Nigerian Army School of Education Sobi, Ilorin on Wednesday, 18th May, 2011
OUTLINE
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The concepts of religion and conflict
Causes of religious conflicts
NIREC and its structure
Objectives/functions
Standing committees
Peace building efforts of NIREC
Conclusion
THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION
Religion can be explained as any specific
system of beliefs about a divine being,
often involving a set of rituals, a code of
ethics and a philosophy of life which
adherents/ followers must accept without
question.
THE DEFINITION OF CONFLICT
Conflict on the other hand can be described
as a situation of true or perceived
disagreement through which the parties
involved identify a threat to their interests,
values/ethics or concerns.
MAP OF NIGERIA
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS
CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA
Religious conflicts in Nigeria have been traced to the under
listed causes. These are:




Poverty
Religious fanaticism
Land issues
Vengeance
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS
CONFLICTS CONTINUED
• Unemployment/under employment especially of
youths
• Wrong interpretation and/or understanding of the
tenets of the holy books
• Misinformation/ignorance
• Perceived feelings of marginalisation
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS
CONFLICTS CONTINUED
•
•
•
•
Relative insecurity
Increased politicisation of religion
Ethno-religious reasons
Other conflicts clothed in religious “garments”
NIREC AND ITS STRUCTURE
Why NIREC ?
The
devastation
and
other
negative
consequences of religious conflicts over the years
informed the formation of NIREC in 1999 by
Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
(NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN) with the active support of former President
Olusegun Obasanjo
NIREC FATHERS
WHAT IS NIREC ?
• It is the acronym for:
Nigeria Inter Religious Council
• It is a product of series of discussions between the
leadership of the two main religious bodies in Nigeria i.e.
 The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
and
 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
 It is not a government parastatal but it is supported by
government
NIREC FORMATION
COMPOSITION OF NIREC
• NIREC, is an inter-religious body of fifty (50) equal
number of Christians and Muslims. (25 each)
• Membership consists of :
 Traditional rulers
 Religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity
 Opinion leaders
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS OF NIREC
1. To honestly and sincerely endeavour, by
themselves, to understand the true teachings of the
two religions – Christianity and Islam including their
peculiarities and personal mannerisms through
dialogue, discussions, workshops, seminars,
conferences, pamphleteering, etc.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
2. To create a permanent and sustainable channel of
communication and interaction thereby promoting
dialogue between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria
so that members of both faiths may have mutual
understanding of each other’s religious position; to
achieve a co-existense among all people of Nigeria
irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
3. To promote and inculcate moral, ethical, social and
cultural values of the two faiths for the rebirth and
rebuilding of a better society.
4. To provide a forum for mutual co-operation and
promotion of the welfare of all citizens in the nation.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
5. To create fora and channels for the peaceful resolution of
any friction or misunderstanding that may arise from time
to time
6. To serve as an avenue for articulating cordial relationships
amongst the various religious groups and between them
and the government.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
7. To assist the federal, state and local governments of
Nigeria
and the populace by emphasizing and
accentuating the positive roles religion should play in
nation-building and development.
8. To serve as a forum to achieve national goals,
economic growth, national unity and promotion of
political stability.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
9. To consider and make recommendations to the federal
and other levels of government on matters that may
assist in fostering integral and spiritual development of
Nigerians.
10.To make recommendations on such matters as the
federal and other levels of government from time to
time refer to the council
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED
11.
To network with organisations of similar aims at
home and internationally, for the furtherance of the
objectives
of the council
STRUCTURE OF NIREC
The following structure has been put in place:
1. The Board of Trustees (BOT). members are:




His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR MNI the
Sultan of Sokoto
His Grace, Arcbishop John Onaiyekan, CON,
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, National Co-ordinator/Executive Secretary
Prof. Yusuf Obaje
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED
2. The Co-chairmen are the heads of NSCIA and CAN
 His Eminence , the Sultan of Sokoto and
President General Supreme Council for Islamic
Affairs and
 National President of Christian Association of
Nigeria – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED
3. The National Co-ordinator/ Executive Secretary
• HE/SHE HEADS THE SECRETARIAT AND LIASES WITH
THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT PARTNERS
4. The 50 members are made up of:
• 25 MUSLIMS AND
• 25 CHRISTIANS
STRUCTURE OF NIREC CONTINUED
5. THE SECRETARIAT:
 CO-ORDINATES ALL CORRESPONDENCE
 PREPARES FOR QUARTERLY MEETINGS &
 DOCUMENTATION OF THE COUNCIL
6. ARMS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDE:
 THE YOUTH WING
 THE NATIONAL INTER FAITH ACTION AGAINST MALARIA (NIFAA)
STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC
• TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF NIREC, A TOTAL OF
NINE (9) STANDING COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN PUT IN
PLACE. THESE ARE:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
GENERAL PURPOSE
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PUBLIC
ENLIGHTENMENT
PEACE BUILDING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION
FINANCE COMMITTEE
PLANNING, RESEARCH AND
DEVLOPMENT
PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
• SINCE INCEPTION, NIREC HAS BEEN IN THE
FOREFRONT OF STEMMING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS
THROUGH ITS OPERATIONS. THESE INCLUDE:
1. ROTATING NIREC QUARTERLY MEETINGS AMONGST THE
SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA. SO FAR
MEETINGS HAVE BEEN HELD IN ENUGU, MAIDUGURI,
LAGOS, KANO, JOS,PORTHARCOURT,ABUJA AND
RECENTLY IN BAUCHI
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
2. HOLDING INTERACTIVE SESSIONS BEFORE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF QUARTERLY MEETINGS
BETWEEN DIFFERENT
RELIGIOUS
AND
COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE ZONE.
3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NIREC AT STATE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT LEVELS. SOME
STATES
HAVE
ESTABLISHED WHILE OTHERS ARE YET, NIREC KEEPS
ENCOURAGING THEM TO DO SO.
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
4. ORGANISATION OF A YOUTH SUMMIT INVOLVING
YOUTHS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE.
5. ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH WING OF NIREC
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
6. PROMPT INTERVENTION IN CRISIS AREAS TO PREVENT
SPREAD AND ESCALATION.
7. RESPOND TO BURNING NATIONAL ISSUES ESPECIALLY
THOSE THAT CAN THREATEN THE CORPORATE
EXISTENCE OF NIGERIA.
8. FOSTERING RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING AND
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE THROUGH THE PROMOTION
OF DIALOGUE AMONG RELIGIOUS GROUPS .
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
9.
PARTICIPATION OF NSCIA AND CAN LEADERSHIP
AND MEMBERS IN SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
ORGANISED BY EACH OTHER TO
FURTHER
PROMOTE RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN NIGERIA.
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
10.
PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS
AND SEMINARS ON RELIGIOUS MATTERS E.G.
•
•
•
•
NIGERIA WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK
AFRICAN COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS (ACRL)
INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF WEST AFRICA
WEST AFRICA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL COOORDINATING
COMMITTEE (IRCL)
PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC
CONTINUED
11.
COLLABORATING AND INTERACTING WITH
OTHER SIMILAR GROUPS IN AFRICA, EUROPE
AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. FOR
EXAMPLE,
• AFRICAN UNION
• UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON
FREEDOM (USCIRF)
• TONY BLAIR FAITH FOUNDATION, UK
INTER
RELIGIOUS
AN INTER-FAITH WORLD
GLOBAL
WORLD CONFERENCE FOR
RELIGIONS FOR PEACE
CONTINENTAL
AFRICAN COUNCIL OF
RELIGIOUS LEADERS (ACRL)
REGIONAL
INTER RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF
WEST AFRICA
NATION`AL
NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS
COUNCIL (NIREC)
DIALOGUE OF ACTION
NIREC CONTINUES TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER AGENCIES
FOR A BETTER SOCIETY. THESE INCLUDE:



NIFAA (MALARIA)
INTER-FAITH COMMITTEE ON HIV/AIDS
INTER-FAITH ANTI-CORRUPTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(IAAC) (A BODY UNDER MY HUMBLE SELF TO COMBAT
FINANCIAL CORRUPTION CRIME)
THE NIGERIA INTER-FAITH ACTION
ASSOCIATION AGAINST MALARIA (NIFAA)
 NIFAAM WAS ESTABLISHED BY NIREC TO MAXIMISE
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST MALARIA IN NIGERIA
 IT HAS COLLABORATED WITH THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF
HEALTH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA AND OTHER
DISEASES
 NIFAA HAS ALSO WORKED WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH THE ERADICATION OF
MALARIA
WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK
THE NIGERIA WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK
COLLABORATED WITH NIREC AND THE VARIOUS
ARMS OF GOVERNMENT ON THE THEME
“ERADICATION OF HIV/AIDS AND GENDER BASED
VIOLENCE”
- INTER-FAITH ACTION
NACA – HIV/AIDS COMMITTEE


MANUALS
PROJECTS
EFCC INTER-FAITH BOARD
ESTABLISHMENT OF INTER-FAITH ANTI- CORRUPTION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (IAAC)
THE EFCC AS PART OF ITS MANDATE TO PREVENT AND REGULATE
ACTIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES
ESTABLISHED THE IAAC
THE COMMITTEE WAS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONBILITY OF
COORDINATING THE INTERFACE WITH THE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES BY
ADOPTING A FAITH- BASED COMMUNITY TO DISSEMINATE THE ANTICORRUPTION MESSAGES TO NIGERIANS
MEMBERSHIP OF IAAC
PROF. IS-HAQ OLOYEDE
BISHOP JOHN PRAISE
CHAIRMAN
MEMBER / EXEC. SECRETARY
IMAM AHMED ABDULRAHMAN
MEMBER
PASTOR CLETUS ALU
MEMBER
UZTAZ AMIN IGBWEBE
MEMBER
BISHOP CHRISTIAN IDE
MEMBER
SHEIK YUSUF HUSSEIN MAIBERA
MEMBER
ACTIVITIES OF IAAC
THE INTER-FAITH ANTI CORRUPTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS SET TO:

START A THIRTEEN (13) WEEK TV MEDIA
OUT REACH
PROGRAMME ON ANTI CORRUPTION IN WHICH RELIGIOUS
LEADERS AND EMINENT PERSONS WITHIN THE FAITH
COMMUNITY WILL COME ON AIR TO DISCUSS ALL FORMS OF
CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC
AND FINANCIAL CRIMES THAT
REVOLVE AROUND THE MANDATE OF EFCC FROM RELIGIOUS
PERSPECTIVES.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING AND PREACHING MANUALS FOR
USE BY THE MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS WITH THEIR
CONGREGATIONS. THE MANUALS ARE BELIEVED TO BE AN
EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION TOOL
NIREC SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FROM 2009 TO
JUNE 2011
DATE
ZONE
VENUE
May, 2009
North Central
Jos, Plateau State
August, 2009
South South
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
December, 2009
FCT
Abuja
April, 2010
North East
Bauchi, Bauchi State
July, 2010
South East
Owerri, Imo State
October, 2010
North West
Sokoto, Sokoto State
January, 2011
South West
Ibadan, Oyo State
Sept., 2011
North Central
Ilorin, Kwara State
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
1. HIS EMINENCE, MUHAMMAD SA’AD ABUBAKAR , CFR,MNI
THE SULTAN OF SOKOTO, CO-CHAIRMAN
2. HIS GRACE, PASTOR AYO ORITSEJAFOR, OFR, CAN
PRESIDENT, CO-CHAIRMAN
3. PROF. IS-HAQ O. OLOYEDE, NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR/
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
H.R.H. ALHAJI YAHAYA ABUBAKAR, CFR
MR. J.A. ACHIMUGU
H.R.H. NAJIB HUSSAINI ADAMU
DR. ABDULATEEF ADEGBITE, CON, COSECRETARY
REV. (DR.) CALEB AHIMA FITCN
IMAM ABDUR-RAHMAN AHMAD
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
PASTOR (DR.) S.O. AKINSULURE
OBA RILWAN AKIOLU, CFR, MNI
AL HAJI MURTALA AMINU, OFR
RT. HON. (ALHAJI) MUKAIL ASUQUO
HRH. ALH. (DR.) MUHAMMAD ILIYASU BASHAR,
REV. NOEL BATURE
H.R.H. ALHAJI (DR.) ADO BAYERO
ALHAJI FALALU BELLO, OFR
H.R.M. EDMOND DAUKORU
OFR, MNI
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
H.R.H. ALHAJI KYARI UMAR EL-KANEMI, CFR
H.R.H. ALHAJI MUSTAFA UMAR EL-KANEMI, CFR
PROPHET (DR.) GABRIEL O. FAKEYE
REV. (DR.) ANTHONY FARINTO
H.R.H. IBRAHIM SULU GAMBARI, CFR
SHEIKH ADAM A. IDOKO
H.R.H. ALHAJI SHEHU IDRIS
MRS. DAME PRISCILLA KUYE
SHEIKH AHMED LEMU, OFR
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
HIS EMINENCE, S. OLA MAKINDE
H.R.H. ALHAJI M.S. MOMODU
H.R.H. OBA AKADIRI MOMOH IV
MOST REV. DR. JOHN NIYIRING
ARCHIBISHOP DANIEL OKOH
THE MOST REV. NICOLAS OKOH
BISHOP MIKE OKONKWO
ALHAJA LATEEFAH OKUNNU, OFR
APOSTLE G. OLA OLUTOLA
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
REV. FR. DR. CORNELIUS OMONOKHUA
HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP JOHN ONAIYEKAN CON
JUSTICE ABDULKADIR ORIRE, CON
HIS EMINENCE, THE MOST. REV. DR. RUFUS OSITELU
PROFESSOR JOSEPH A.M. OTUBU
SHEIKH I. SALEH
ENGR. S.L.S. SALIFU, CO-SECRETARY
ALHAJI IS-HAQ KUNLE SANNI
JUSTICE GABRIEL ADAMU SHA
LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS
CONTINUED
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
H.R.H. HUBERT SHALDAS, OON
MOST REV. EMMANUEL JOSIAH UDOFIA
BARR. ALBERT UKO
SNR. APOSTLE S.O. USU
HAJIYA BILKISU YUSUF, MNI
EXCERPTS OF NIREC COMMUNIQUES
OVER THE YEARS
OVER THE YEARS, NIREC HAS COMMENTED AND ADVISED
GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES OF NATIONAL CONCERN. SOME OF
THESE ARE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW:
 THAT THE NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL’S MAIN
OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND RELIGIOUS
HARMONY IN NIGERIA; NIREC CALLS UPON OUR RELIGIOUS
LEADERS AND INDEED ALL NIGERIANS TO REDEDICATE
THEMSELVES TO THE NOBLE CAUSE OF PEACE-BUILDING
AND MUTUAL CO-EXISTENCE OF OUR PEOPLE.
EXCERPTS CONTINUED
 TO PROMOTE PEACE AND HARMONY, OUR
POLITICIANS, OPINION LEADERS AND THOSE
CHARGED WITH AUTHORITY AT ALL LEVELS OF
GOVERNANCE SHOULD ALSO ENDEAVOUR TO
EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN THEIR UTTERANCES, AND
SHOULD AT ALL TIMES PROMOTE EQUITY, FAIRNESS
AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

NIREC NOTES WITH DELIGHT THE COMMITMENT OF THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW, WHICH WILL CHECK IMPUNITY IN
THE SOCIETY, AN IDEAL SHARED BY NIREC

CONCERNED ABOUT THE STATE OF EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY AND
URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME

CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS AT VARIOUS LEVELS TO GRANT
COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OF RELIGIOUS DISTURBANCES TO ENABLE
THEM MITIGATE THE EFEFCTS OF HUMAN AND MATERIAL LOSSES
CAUSED BY UNWHOLESOME ACTICITIES OF A FEW MISGUIDED ELEMENTS
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CAUTIONS RECKLESS RELIGIOUS PREACHERS WHO CONDUCT INCITING
SERMONS WITHOUT REGARDS TO THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS AND
THEREFORE FAN THE EMBERS OF RELIGIOUS MISUNDERSTANDING AND
DISTURBANCES

CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS, GROUPS AND ALL NIGERIANS, PARTICULARLY
THE FAITH-BASED ORGANISATIONS TO BUILD A SYSTEMATIC PLATFORM
FOR PEACE AND RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE
PROMOTION OF SOCIO ECONOMIC JUSTICE,TRANSPARENCY AND GOOD
GOVERNANCE

CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO TAKE URGENT MEASURES AT CURBING THE
PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS IN OUR SOCIETY WHICH TENDS TO
CREATE A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE AND IS A MAJOR SOURCE OF RISING
VIOLENT CRIMES IN OUR SOCIETY
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE TEMPO OF
SUSTAINABLE MEASURES FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
THROUGH JOB AND WEALTH CREATION WHICH WILL CHANNEL
THE ENERGIES OF OUR YOUTHS THROUGH PRODUCTIVE
VENTURES

CALLS ON THE MEDIA TO ABIDE BY THE ETHICS OF THEIR
PROFESSION WHICH PROMOTE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
DEMANDS FACTUAL AND ACCURATE REPORTING OF EVENTS
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

NIREC ABHORS AND CONDEMNS THE DISTURBING TREND OF
HOMOSEXUALITY, LESBIANISM AND INCEST THAT IS INCREASINGLY
BECOMING PERVASIVE IN THE COUNTRY. THE PRACTICES ARE
ILLEGAL AND REPUGNANT TO THE NORMS OF OUR RELIGIONS,
TRADITIONS AND CULTURE. DETERMINED EFFORTS SHOULD BE
MADE BY GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO CHECK THE
PROBLEMS TO PROTECT THE MORAL WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT CONSTITUTE A HINDRANCE TO
OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OR ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSION
OF CRIME
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CALLS ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS APPROPRIATE
LAW TO FINALLY SETTLE THE PERENNIAL PROBLEMS OF
SETTLERS VERSUS INDIGENES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

URGES GOVERNMENT TO CONVENE A DIALOGUE OF
NATIONAL CONTENTIOUS ISSUES AFFECTING THE PEACEFUL
COEXISTENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

PEACE EDUCATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOL
CURRICULUM FROM PRIMARY TO TERTIARY LEVELS AND ALSO
ADMINISTERED ON EVERY CITIZEN
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA AREA MORE
SERIOUSLY AND BE COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF
SUSTAINABLE PEACE

CALLS ON LABOUR UNIONS TO MAKE DIALOGUE THE
MAJOR TOOL IN THE PURSUIT OF MEMBERS’ WELFARE
AND ESCHEW QUICK RECOURSE TO STRIKE
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CALLS ON THE FEDERAL, STATES AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS TO TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TO NIP IN
THE BUD ALL ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD
PORTRAY NIGERIA AS A TERRORIST COUNTRY

ENDORSES THE POLIO ERADICATION EFFORTS OF
THE
NATIONAL
PRIMARY
HEALTH
CARE
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND URGES ALL TO ACTIVELY
PARTICIPATE SO THAT EVERY CHILD IS VACCINATED
EXCERPTS CONTINUED

CALLS FOR THE INTENSIFICATION OF THE
INTERVENTIONS TO MITIGATE THE SCOURGE OF
HIV/AIDS, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS AGAINST
STIGMATISATION AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THOSE
AFFECTED AND INFECTED

URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE
NIGER DELTA AMNESTY PROGRAMME TO ENSURE THAT
THE POST AMNESTY PHASE REMAINS ON COURSE


EXCERPTS CONTINUED
CALLS ON POLITICIANS TO ENSURE THAT THE
COUNTRY IS POLITICALLY STABLE TO ENCOURAGE
FOREIGN INVESTMENT
GOVERNMENTS AT ALL LEVELS AND THE SECURITY
AGENCIES MUST JOIN HANDS WITH TRADITIONAL AND
RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND OTHER WELL MEANING
NIGERIANS TO ENSURE THAT NATIONAL CRISES ARE
TACKLED URGENTLY AND DECISIVELY
CONCLUSION
• NIREC SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT,
NO DOUBT HAS
CONTRIBUTED IMMENSELY TO THE RESOLUTION OF
RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS
IN NIGERIA AS IT STEADILY
ACHIEVES THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS
• NIREC HAS ALSO COLLABORATED WITH OTHER AGENCIES
TO COMBAT MALARIA, HIV/AIDS ETC.
• IT IS HOPED THAT WHEN NIREC AT BOTH THE STATE AND
LOCAL GOVERNEMNT LEVELS BECOME FUNCTIONAL,
RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY
REDUCED IN OUR POLITY.