BUILDING TRUST IN A POLARIZED WORLD: UFUK DIALOGUE LEADS TRANSFORMATIVE LOVE AND TOLERANCE CONFERENCE IN PLATEAU STATE
In an era where divisions run deep and trust is increasingly fragile, the call for unity has never been more urgent. It was against this backdrop that stakeholders, scholars, religious leaders, and peace advocates gathered at Gowon Hall, Crispan Hotel and Suites, Jos, Plateau State, for a profound dialogue themed “Bridging Divides: Building Trust in a Polarized World.” The event brought together voices committed to charting a fresh path toward peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
In an opening address, Mr. Emroh Ilgen, President of Ufuk Dialogue, in his welcome address at the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance, emphasized the pressing need for compassion-driven dialogue in confronting both global and local divisions. He reiterated Ufuk Dialogue’s mission of building bridges across faiths, cultures, and institutions through interfaith collaboration, youth engagement, humanitarian services, and strategic partnerships. Moreover, celebrating Nigeria’s rich diversity and resilience, he called for intentional peacebuilding through listening, educating, safeguarding the vulnerable, and nurturing mutual respect as affirmed in Section 24(c) of the Nigerian Constitution. He concluded by urging leaders, youths, and partners to act with courage and empathy, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to expanding peace education, interfaith understanding, and social impact.
Similarly, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang was ably represented by Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, explained that while Ufuk Dialogue has hosted love and tolerance conferences in Nigeria for nine years; mostly in Abuja, the decision to extend this year’s engagement to Lagos and Jos underscores the importance of strengthening interfaith relations across regions. she said, upon arriving in Jos, the organization partnered with the Peace Building Agency, the coordinating body for Plateau’s peace interventions, due to the state’s longstanding commitment to interreligious harmony. She highlighted existing structures such as the Plateau State Advisory Council on Interreligious Harmony and the Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum, both of which demonstrate the governor’s dedication to unity. Dr. Sanda noted that partners like Ufuk Dialogue reinforce ongoing grassroots efforts to deepen peaceful coexistence. She also echoed the governor’s message that Plateau belongs to all who live peaceably within it, and urged citizens to confront conflicts so they can collectively build shared prosperity.
Furthermore, the event featured an engaging interactive session with seasoned discussants, including Brig. Gen. J.N. Temlong (rtd), Dr. Julie Sanda, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III (represented by Dr. Amin Hayatu), Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (rtd) and Mr. Alfred. Each speaker offered unique perspectives on sustaining peace, trust, and intercommunal cooperation. Their contributions enriched the dialogue, providing practical insights and reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in peacebuilding.
In addition, Panle Dadur, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, described the Love and Tolerance Conference organized by UFUK Dialogue in partnership with his institute and other organizations as the first of its kind in Plateau State, following successful editions in Lagos and Abuja. He explained that the conference offers a rare platform for dialogue, idea-sharing, and reminders about the value of healthy relationships in bridging longstanding divides. According to him, the wide diversity of participants signals progress, as more people from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds now willingly interact and learn from one another. He encouraged attendees to leave with a renewed commitment to broaden their perspectives, practice tolerance, and contribute meaningfully to improving life in Jos, Plateau State, and the entire country.
Beyond the discussions, the event drew an impressive gathering of personalities from all walks of life—Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders, traditional rulers, scholars, civil society actors, government representatives, diplomats, youth groups, and community influencers. Their presence underscored the shared belief that peace is a collective endeavor, and that building trust requires the involvement of every segment of society.
In the end, the conference stood as a powerful reminder that even in a polarized world, dialogue remains one of humanity’s strongest tools for healing. By bringing together diverse voices under one roof, the event reaffirmed that peace is possible when people choose to listen, to understand, and to act with sincerity. As participants dispersed, they carried with them not only fresh insights but a renewed hope that Plateau State and indeed Nigeria can continue to rise above division and build a future grounded in unity, trust, and tolerance.
