INTERFAITH MEDIATION CENTER PARTNERS WITH GOLDCOAST DEVELOPMENTAL FOUNDATION
The event tagged "The interfaith Regional Peace Conference Uyo-2023" was organised by the
Interfaith Mediation Centre on the 20th of January, 2023 at the Silver bird conference centre,
Tropical mall, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Goldcoast Developmental foundation was recognised as a
prominent NGO in the South-South Region along side other four organizations which represented
Bayelsa at the event.
This event was organised to see how various organizations across the south -south regions can
encourage and promote peaceful existence among communities in their region to totally eradicate
religion sentiments causing deprivations and hatred among Nigerians.
From the perspective of Imam Mohammad Ashafa, the Co
coordinator of IMC and Pastor Dr. James, the Co-executive of IMC, a slide was shown to see how these two
great men Nigeria has produced has played their role in bridging the gap between the Muslim and Christian
society since in the 90's.
According to Imam Ashafa, "We are all created by one God, we may difer in language, religion , ethnicity
but we are all from one source, we should try as possible to encourage peace. Religious conflict is
catastrophic. Don't change your view, make the person tolerate and understand . Don't condemn, respect
eachother. However, we can only make this happen when we join hands together starting from our communities,
doing the little that we can". He posits that Nigeria is our mother land and as women in organizations,
we have a huge role to play in our societies.
Forgiveness has a major role it plays in the promotion of peaceful coexistence. Pastor Dr. James shed
more light on this through his personal experience. He said, as a Christian trying to fight for the
Christian body during the religious clash in the 90s, he lost his hand. In lieu of this he sought revenge
on the Muslim community but after lots of reflection to forgive he decided to work hand in hand with Imam
Mohammed Ashafa in fighting and eradicating religious clash in their communities. He said , " I am happy
I forgave the Muslim society because if I didn't, we wouldn't have achieved the success of
eradicating regious conflicts. Though it was very tough working with my enemy but I was able to
move on and see the light at the end of the tunnel". He further advised everyone to ensure they do
the little they can in promoting peaceful coexistence in their societies.
As the election is fast approaching, dialogues were made to the effect and everyone was shown
action plan and how we should all commit to peace during and post the 2023 general elections.
Among other invited guests present were the Government of Akwa Ibom Representatives, the Partner
Organization's ( Stakeholders Alliance for Corporate Accountability - SACA, Human Right and
conflict Resolution-HRCR , Dr. Joseph Atang KAICIID.
Awards were given to outstanding individuals who have been supporting the efforts of promoting peace
in their various communities. Goldcoast Developmental Foundation was inaugurated as a member of the
Interfaith Mediation Centre among other organizations in the south south regions . Every member is
expected to come up with action plans that would be needed in promoting peaceful existence in the
south south region.