Faith and Freedom Africa Deepens Traditional Institutions Engagement, Strengthens FoRB Advocacy with Visit to Kwandi Nunguraya

By Abdulrahman Aliagan, 

Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA), a leading faith-based advocacy organisation championing the promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria and across Africa, has continued to expand its engagement with traditional institutions as part of efforts to foster peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Established to address the growing challenges of religious intolerance, discrimination, and violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief, Faith and Freedom Africa has consistently worked with religious leaders, traditional rulers, policymakers, civil society organisations, women, and youth groups to build communities where people of different faiths can live together in peace and mutual respect.

Over the years, the organisation has implemented a wide range of initiatives, including capacity-building programmes for faith leaders, interfaith dialogue sessions, community peacebuilding projects, youth advocacy campaigns, policy engagements, and national conferences aimed at promoting understanding and strengthening constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Through these interventions, FFA has continued to encourage collaboration among stakeholders in preventing religious conflicts and advancing social cohesion.

In furtherance of this mission, the organisation recently paid an advocacy visit to His Majesty, Sir Dr. Kurhaye Dishion Dansanda II, the Kwandi Nunguraya and Paramount Ruler of the Nunguraba Kingdom.

The visit formed part of FFA’s nationwide campaign to strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, whom the organisation regards as indispensable custodians of peace, justice, and community values.

The delegation was led by FFA Country Representative, Mr. Felix Joseph Samari, ANPR, and comprised His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Peter Bathmawus, former Bishop of LCCN Gongola Diocese; Mr. Yirensuso Moses; Mr. Stanley Alexander of the Religious Freedom Youth Advocacy Cohort; and Mr. Samuel Clement Esthon.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Samari expressed appreciation to the monarch for honouring the invitation to the National Christian Leaders Freedom of Religion or Belief Conference held in September last year, describing His Majesty’s participation as a demonstration of his commitment to advancing religious harmony.

He appealed for the monarch’s continued support and collaboration in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief initiatives, stressing that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in addressing religious tensions and strengthening peaceful coexistence across communities.

As a personal gesture, the Country Representative presented His Majesty with a copy of his newly published book, When My Name Was Not Called, a thought-provoking work that examines issues of justice, minority rights, exclusion, and the consequences of marginalisation, while advocating fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.

Responding, His Majesty warmly received the delegation and reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to the ideals of Freedom of Religion or Belief. He described himself as an unwavering advocate of religious freedom and noted that he has consistently promoted dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect among people of different faiths within his kingdom.

The engagement featured an extensive interactive session during which the monarch shared practical experiences of resolving disputes relating to religious freedom and maintaining peaceful coexistence among diverse communities under his traditional authority.

The Kwandi Nunguraya also pledged his continued support for Faith and Freedom Africa’s advocacy efforts and encouraged the organisation to involve him in future visits to traditional rulers across the country. According to him, such collaboration would enhance communication, build trust, and encourage greater participation by traditional institutions in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The visit further underscores Faith and Freedom Africa’s conviction that lasting peace cannot be achieved through legislation alone but requires the active involvement of respected community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional authorities who possess the moral influence to shape public attitudes and resolve conflicts.

As the organisation continues to expand its advocacy footprint across Nigeria, its engagement with traditional rulers represents another significant step towards building a society where every individual, regardless of religious belief or affiliation, enjoys the freedom to practise, profess, or change their faith without fear of discrimination, intimidation, or violence.