The Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, in collaboration with International Alert, will host a three-day regional conference to address climate change-induced conflicts in the northern region of the country on Monday, November 4, 2024.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Director General of the Bureau, Tahir Umar Tahir, on Sunday, November 3.

Tahir said the conference will be held from Monday to Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

He stated that the conference will be the first time that the Northern Nigerian Heads of Religious Agencies will be meeting, adding that the conference underscored Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani’s policy of religious tolerance and inclusive government.

The Director General said the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) National President, Dr. D. C Okoh, and other religious and civil society organisations are expected to attend.

Tahir added: “Governor Uba Sani will be the Chief Host and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen will be the Special Guest of Honour while the former Head of Service of the Federation, Malam Mahmud Yayale Ahmed will chair the occasion.

“The conference aims to bring together key stakeholders from the 19 Northern States, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations, and international experts, to discuss and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on peace and security in the region.

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“A paper on Climate Security and the Future of Peace in Northern Nigeria will be presented by Professor Bulus A. Sawa while a paper on Government, Traditional and Religious Leadership, Promotion of Peace and Prevention of Violent Extremism will be delivered by Professor Auwal Faruq Abdussalam.

“Other papers that will be presented at the conference include An Inclusive and Operational Government Religious Agency: Panacea to Peaceful Community by Dr. Ado Ibrahim Kurawa and Securing the Future: Making Schools Safe for Children through Adopting Education in Emergency (EiE) Approaches.

“The conference aims to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and develop actionable strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change-induced conflicts.

“By engaging with religious leaders and government agencies, the conference will explore innovative approaches to promoting peace, preventing violent extremism, and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.”

He further stated that the special guests at the occasion are Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya; Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia; and Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris.

According to him, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal Abbas, Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Director General of NIA Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and Director General of DSS Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will be guests of honour.

The Star