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Darret foundation holds two days workshop for Christian and Muslim youths in maiduguri
Darret foundation holds two days workshop for Christian and Muslim youths in maiduguri
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Cardinal Onaiyekan and Dr Tim Darret foundations both focused on peace and development have held a two days workshop to bridge the peace gap between Christianity and Islam in the country.
The workshop with theme “youth and conflict: interfaith challenges and opportunities for peaceful co-existence” was held in maiduguri recently mainly to open the eyes of young people in the “Muna community” on how to further strengthen the peace in the state and the region respectively.
Declaring the workshop open, Bridgid O’Connor from the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) who is also the Chief of Party for a project known as “Thrive” noted that it was a workshop to strengthen the capacity of young people of the state especially on promoting peaceful co-existence within themselves instead of living in crisis.
Speaking with newsmen during the occasion, she said that most of the young people assembled at “kirika sama” in maiduguri had training in social cohesion and trauma management which is vital to their keeping of the peace.
She revealed that the talk shop was an opportunity for adherents of both Christianity and Islam to gather together and jaw jaw about the way forward in promoting peaceful co-existence.
O’Connor stated that since peace is not something that comes within one or two days but a phenomenon that should be worked on by parties involved to get a long term solution, she expects the people to be able to rationalize the advantages and go for it at all costs.
“Nobody can eat peace. It has to be worked upon. You also have to have a form of living to be able to provide or create peace. I will not necessarily advise them on how to run their lives but I believe that as matured adults, they have their individual competencies and know what to do.
“They should trust in their own skills and competencies and take the initiatives to their own communities to reach their neighbors and see what they can do together especially by promoting and ensuring a fair share of the resources they have in their communities together. ” said O’Connor.
The convener of the peace project Dr Timothy Darret said he expected that each of the 50 participant who attended will turn out as peace ambassadors in their neighborhoods.
In his presentation, he regretted that the love of worldly things such as money, materialistic materials, was a very big challenge to both religions, as it can lead young people to do things beyond their comprehension.
“This is because a lot of youths today do go to their early graves because of their worldly desires, they engage in rituals, yahoo, kidnapping, etc.
” These desires at times makes them to even sacrifice their parents and loved ones. So, people are advised to engage in legal hustling in order to make a leaving, by doing so, we can be able to overcome this challenge.
” Illiteracy is another challenge faced by interfaith, because lack of knowledge about one’s religion, can lead to certain misinterpretations about one’s religion. So, it is advisable to always look for knowledge, although knowledge is expensive, but if you think so, try ignorance, then you will find out that it is more expensive than knowledge.” He stressed.
On lack of mentorship, he went on: ” You will observe that a lot of people give little or no attention to mentorship, as they think they know everything and don’t need any teaching or guidance from anyone. Most especially in the case of religion. There are lots of things that needs mentorship, Professional guidance and deep understanding, because without good guidance, it can lead to misinterpretation, which can trigger religious crises and misunderstanding.
“Most of the problems faced today in religious perspectives is due to bad mentorship guidance or due to misinterpretation by your own understanding. So, consulting a good mentor or leader for religious guidance is most needed in order to prevent this challenge.” he concluded.
Also speaking Dr Timta Musa said he expects that peace would be fostered and maintained in the state at all times after the two days training.
Speaking on commitment Dr Timta Musa asked what they can do for peace in their own commitment and what can they do to promote peace and understanding among people.
To him, “that’s what we should first decide and then do what’s needed to be done. At times some religious leaders do engage in hate speech, which might trigger some misunderstanding, so we should try to commit our self in any activity that can promote peace and people’s commitment.
Several papers were presented during the two days sessions which include: “Understanding interfaith dynamic in Borno” by Sheikh Talha. “Role of youth in preventing Radicalization.” by Fr Saminu Gabriel. “Interfaith Challenge the common drivers” Sheikh Talha and Peaceful co-existence by Fr Saminu Gabriel. Of course forgiveness was amply handled by Dr Tim.
Darret foundation holds two days workshop for Christian and Muslim youths in maiduguri
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.
On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.
.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.
Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
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