UFUK Dialogue, a non-profit organization, recently organized a dialogue and peace awards ceremony in Abuja. The event which attracted people from all walks of life was put together to celebrate people and organizations that have been contributing to societal peace in Nigeria.
In his opening remark, the president of UFUK Dialogue, Mr. Kamil Kemanci stated that dialogue and peaceful coexistence has always been and remains a need, a necessity, and a must for us to have a healthy and more productive society.
“With dialogue, it is possible to transform conflict into co-operation. This interfaith dialogue seeks to realize religion’s basic oneness and unity, and the universality of belief. Islam and Christianity all come from the same root, have almost the same essentials, and are nourished from the same source.” He said.
Mr. Kemanci further reiterated that “for everyone to live peacefully, it is important for individuals to rise above differences that drive us apart and that go beyond any ideology or political system, and above any religious movement or religious authority.”
This year’s edition, which is the 6th in the series, saw various individuals rewarded for their contributions to peace in Nigeria. A posthumous award was also given to the late, Rev Musa Asake, the former Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Others include the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam, the speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah, Geoffrey Oyeama, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Segun Adeniyi, Chairman Editorial Board, Thisday Newspaper, and Manir Dan-Ali, Executive Director, Daily Trust Newspaper.
Regional Pastor E. Aibitayo Central Parish (RCCG), Prof Shehu Ahmad Sa’id CFR Murshid National Mosque Abuja, Mrs. Nafisah M. Monguno, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid Wazirin Sokoto, Mr. Ikeogu Oke, and Mrs. Maryam Lemu were also amongst those who received awards under various categories.
This year’s awards ceremony had in attendance personalities like the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen Babagana Mugono, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, representatives of the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, as well as representatives of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and various ministries and agencies.
UFUK Dialogue is a non-profit organization geared towards the promotion of dialogue and a culture of co-existence. UFUK Dialogue is mainly concerned with the opinion and information exchange between ethnic, cultural, religious and ideological entities to nurture mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
