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NIREC AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

www.unilorin.edu.ng. NIREC AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT. IN NIGERIA. By. Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede. Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin. vc@unilorin.edu.ng.

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NIREC AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

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  1. www.unilorin.edu.ng NIREC AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA By 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

  2. The concepts of religion and conflict Causes of religious conflicts NIREC and its structure Objectives/functions Standing committees Peace building efforts of NIREC Conclusion OUTLINE

  3. 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 CONCEPT OF RELIGION

  4. 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. THE DEFINITION OF CONFLICT

  5. MAP OF NIGERIA

  6. Religious conflicts in Nigeria have been traced to the under listed causes. These are: Poverty Religious fanaticism Land issues Vengeance CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA

  7. 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

  8. Relative insecurity Increased politicisation of religion Ethno-religious reasons Other conflicts clothed in religious “garments” CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS CONTINUED

  9. 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 Why NIREC ? NIREC AND ITS STRUCTURE

  10. NIREC FATHERS

  11. 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 WHAT IS NIREC ?

  12. NIREC FORMATION

  13. 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 COMPOSITION OF NIREC

  14. 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 OF NIREC

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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

  20. OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS CONTINUED 11. To network with organisations of similar aims at home and internationally, for the furtherance of the objectives of the council

  21. The following structure has been put in place: The Board of Trustees (BOT). members are: His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’adAbubakar, CFR MNI the Sultan of Sokoto His Grace, Arcbishop John Onaiyekan, CON, Prof. Is-haqOloyede, National Co-ordinator/Executive Secretary Prof. Yusuf Obaje STRUCTURE OF NIREC

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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)

  25. TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF NIREC, A TOTAL OF NINE (9) STANDING COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE. THESE ARE: GENERAL PURPOSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES EDUCATION COMMITTEE STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC

  26. STANDING COMMITTEES OF NIREC v) INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT vi) PEACE BUILDING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION vii) FINANCE COMMITTEE viii) PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT ix) PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. 4. ORGANISATION OF A YOUTH SUMMIT INVOLVING YOUTHS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH WING OF NIREC PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF NIREC CONTINUED

  30. 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

  31. 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

  32. 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

  33. 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 INTER RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (USCIRF) • TONY BLAIR FAITH FOUNDATION, UK

  34. AN INTER-FAITH WORLD WORLD CONFERENCE FOR RELIGIONS FOR PEACE GLOBAL AFRICAN COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS (ACRL) CONTINENTAL INTER RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF WEST AFRICA REGIONAL NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL (NIREC) NATION`AL

  35. 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) DIALOGUE OF ACTION

  36. 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

  37. 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

  38. NACA – HIV/AIDS COMMITTEE • MANUALS • PROJECTS

  39. 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 ANTI-CORRUPTION MESSAGES TO NIGERIANS

  40. MEMBERSHIP OF IAAC PROF. IS-HAQ OLOYEDE CHAIRMAN BISHOP JOHN PRAISE MEMBER / EXEC. SECRETARY IMAM AHMED ABDULRAHMAN MEMBER PASTOR CLETUS ALU MEMBER UZTAZ AMIN IGBWEBE MEMBER BISHOP CHRISTIAN IDE MEMBER SHEIK YUSUF HUSSEIN MAIBERA MEMBER

  41. 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

  42. NIREC SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FROM 2009 TO JUNE 2011

  43. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS 1. His Eminence, Muhammad sa’adabubakar , cfr,mni the sultan of sokoto, co-chairman 2. His grace, pastor ayooritsejafor, ofr, can president, co-chairman 3. prof. is-haq o. oloyede, national co-ordinator/ executive secretary

  44. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED • H.R.H. AlhajiYahayaAbubakar, CFR 5. Mr. J.A. Achimugu 6. H.R.H. NajibHussainiAdamu 7. Dr. AbdulateefAdegbite, CON, co- secretary 8. Rev. (Dr.) Caleb Ahima FITCN 9. Imam Abdur-Rahman Ahmad

  45. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 10. Pastor (Dr.) S.O. Akinsulure 11. Oba RilwanAkiolu, CFR, mni 12. Al hajiMurtalaAminu, OFR 13. Rt. Hon. (Alhaji) MukailAsuquo 14. HRH. Alh. (Dr.) Muhammad IliyasuBashar, OFR, mni 15. Rev. Noel Bature 16. H.R.H. Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero 17. AlhajiFalalu Bello, OFR • H.R.M. EDMOND DAUKORU

  46. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 19. H.R.H. AlhajiKyariUmar El-Kanemi, CFR • H.R.H. Alhaji Mustafa Umar El-Kanemi, CFR 21. Prophet (Dr.) Gabriel O. Fakeye 22. Rev. (Dr.) Anthony Farinto 23. H.R.H. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR 24. Sheikh Adam A. Idoko 25. H.R.H. Alhaji ShehuIdris 26. Mrs. Dame Priscilla Kuye 27. Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, OFR

  47. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 28. His Eminence, S. Ola Makinde 29. H.R.H. Alhaji M.S. Momodu 30. H.R.H. Oba AkadiriMomoh IV 31. Most Rev. Dr. John niyiring 32. Archibishop Daniel Okoh 33. The Most Rev. nicolas Okoh 34. Bishop Mike Okonkwo 35. AlhajaLateefahOkunnu, OFR 36. Apostle G. Ola Olutola

  48. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED 37. REV. FR. Dr. corneliusomonokhua 38. HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP JOHN ONAIYEKAN CON 39. JUSTICE ABDULKADIR ORIRE, CON 40. HIS EMINENCE, THE MOST. REV. DR. RUFUS OSITELU 41. PROFESSOR JOSEPH A.M. OTUBU 42. SHEIKH I. SALEH 43. ENGR. S.L.S. SALIFU, CO-SECRETARY 44. ALHAJI IS-HAQ KUNLE SANNI 45. JUSTICE GABRIEL ADAMU SHA

  49. LIST OF CURRENT NIREC MEMBERS CONTINUED • H.R.H. HUBERT SHALDAS, OON • MOST REV. EMMANUEL JOSIAH UDOFIA • 48. BARR. ALBERT UKO • SNR. APOSTLE S.O. USU • HAJIYA BILKISU YUSUF, MNI

  50. 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.

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