The Kaduna State government has reiterated its commitment towards peace-building across communities of the state through effective mediation and establishing reconciliatory structures.

The state deputy governor, Hadiza Balarabe, made the commendation on Wednesday in Kaduna when a delegation of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) paid her a courtesy call.

The deputy governor said that the state government had inaugurated peace initiatives that have continued to aid its quest for peaceful coexistence among its people.

“The Kaduna State Peace Commission, for instance, had complemented grassroots engagements to strengthen trust and build a more secure state,” she said.

Ms Balarabe commended organisations such as JISRA for their efforts to promote peace, interfaith dialogue and freedom of religion across Nigeria and the world.

“JISRA’s activities align perfectly with our own vision of a peaceful, just and prosperous Kaduna where every citizen feels protected, valued and included.

“Your programmes have advanced justice, inclusion and respect for human dignity, helping to nurture societies where differences build unity, not conflict,” she said.

Ms Balarabe described JISRA as a true partner in peace building, adding that its efforts to bridge divides and empower women and youths and foster interfaith cooperation were commendable.

“We are determined to continue supporting and working with you while consolidating on the already made gains.

“This will ensure that peace, justice, and inclusion become permanent features of our state,” she said.

The deputy governor said that the government’s peace initiatives were yielding results, as witnessed in the relative calm, progress and renewed confidence experienced across the state.

“We would continue recognising and respecting the importance of citizens’ voices, contributions of faith leaders and diversity of groups in our state.

“This is the reason for inaugurating mechanisms for citizen engagement, such as the Kaduna Elders Forum.

“This forum brings together respected religious leaders, traditional authorities and statesmen to advise and regularly interface with government,” she said.

Ms Balarabe said that the government’s Bureau of Interfaith Affairs works consistently with religious bodies to deepen trust, dialogue and harmony among faiths.

(NAN)