In the hushed darkness of the Shield Hotel conference hall in Jalingo, the faces of young students glowed in the flicker of a projector screen. On that screen, scenes of both hope and suffering unfolded the kind that transcends borders, faiths, and cultures.
The documentary, titled Bridging the Abyss, carried a powerful message: freedom of religion or belief is not merely a principle; it is a fundamental human right that must be protected.
This message was at the heart of an event organized on Monday by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The gathering brought together students from tertiary institutions across Taraba State, united by a shared mission to protect the rights that allow individuals to worship or not according to their conscience.
Katlong Dasat, SFCG’s Senior Media Officer, stood before the crowd, his voice echoing through the hall. “Millions of people around the world still suffer discrimination, harassment, and violence because of their religious beliefs,” she told the attentive audience.
Her words landed heavily, underscoring the reality that even in diverse societies like Nigeria, religious intolerance can simmer beneath the surface.
Freedom of religion or belief, Dasat explained, is not an abstract ideal but a right enshrined in international law. It is woven into the very fabric of human dignity and justice. And yet, for countless individuals, it remains a right unrealized.
Gaius Dachet, Project Manager at SFCG, further emphasized that religious freedom isn’t merely a matter of spiritual life it is deeply intertwined with peace, security, and sustainable development.
“Protecting these rights can help prevent conflicts both here in Taraba state and across Nigeria,” Dachet said, his tone both urgent and hopeful.
One of the event’s most impactful moments, as noticed by WorkdClass247News, came when Dasat introduced a practical tool: a toll-free helpline, 0800-000-2233, dedicated to reporting violations of religious freedom.
“If you are facing discrimination or violations of your beliefs, call the toll-free line. It is confidential and free,” he assured the participants, adding a layer of tangible action to the day’s discussions.
For the students in attendance, the event was more than just an academic exercise, it was a call to action. Many spoke with quiet determination about their plans to share what they had learned.
“I didn’t know there was a way to report these issues safely,” said one university student, her eyes bright with newfound resolve. “Now I can go back and educate my friends.”
Panel discussions, featuring university lecturers and human rights advocates, delved deeper into the nuances of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Panelists encouraged the youth not only to defend their own rights but to become ambassadors of tolerance in their communities. “The change begins with each one of you,” urged one lecturer. “If we spread awareness and foster understanding, we can build a society where no one fears practicing their faith.”
Bridging the Abyss may have been the title on the screen, but for the young people gathered in Jalingo, the real bridge was the knowledge they now carried and the hope that, armed with it, they could help close the gap between freedom promised and freedom experienced.
By Charles Akpeji