26/01/2026
Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation Promotes Peace, Empowerment in Jalingo
The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace has organized a peacebuilding, skills acquisition and empowerment programme in Jalingo to promote peaceful coexistence, interreligious harmony and economic self-reliance, especially among women and youths.
The programme, held on January 24, 2026, at Our Lady of Consolation Girls’ Secondary School, Shavou Mile Six, brought together participants from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Coordinator, Sr. Esther John, said empowering people with practical skills and livelihood opportunities is key to sustaining peace in society.
In a peace talk, Rev. Fr. Isaac Sanzoro described peace as harmony and wellbeing within individuals and communities, stressing that lasting peace is rooted in respect for human dignity, dialogue, justice and forgiveness.
Also speaking, Alhaji Chindo M.D. Bose, a peacebuilder and member of the Board of Trustees of the Muslim Council, Taraba State, praised the initiative, noting that true faith promotes peace and that peaceful coexistence is a shared responsibility.
The PTA Chairman of the host school, Comrade Job Julius, said the empowerment items, though modest, would make a meaningful difference in the lives of beneficiaries and commended the foundation for the initiative.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Bala Sanya thanked the foundation for the support and urged participants to use the items wisely to improve their livelihoods and promote peace in their communities.
The event was attended by traditional, religious and community leaders, including a representative of the Chief of Kona, Catholic clergy and religious sisters. Beneficiaries received items such as goats, poultry, piglets and other resources to support self-reliance and dignity of labour.