Kaduna: PAVE NGO to address 23 LGAs Church leaders General Meeting in June

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), kaduna State branch has pledged to cascade messages of an NGO, the “Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE)” to all the 23 Local Government Areas through their local church leadership structures.

The secretary who spoke on behalf of the chairman Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, said, CAN will formally invite PAVE, to address the next General Meeting scheduled for June 2025, where more of their leaders across denominations and LGAs will be present.

The CAN Secretary disclosed this when the leadership of PAVE, kaduna state chapter led by its chairman, Eric John paid advocacy visit on them in their office on Monday.

He said they acknowledged the ‘Importance of your advocacy and the urgency of the issues raised, especially around violent extremism, youth restiveness, and the role of religious institutions in safeguarding peace”.

“In line with our shared commitment to a peaceful and united Kaduna, CAN Kaduna State Chapter pledges to cascade this message to all 23 Local Government Areas through our local church leadership structures.

‘We believe that every pulpit and every congregation must be a platform for promoting peace, tolerance, and responsible civic conduct”, he stated.

The secretary said “Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that PAVE will be formally invited to address our next General Meeting scheduled for June 2025, where more of our leaders across denominations and LGAs will be present. This will be a critical opportunity to deepen awareness and foster wider collaboration”.

He said “We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, for creating an inclusive environment and promoting unity across religious and ethnic lines. His administration has shown commendable support for Peace-building initiatives, and we align ourselves fully with these efforts”.

The secretary affirmed that CAN is working closely with the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to counter misinformation and curb unguided or inflammatory messages from any religious platform.

“We understand the responsibility we carry, and we are committed to using our voice and influence to promote harmony and prevent violence. We look forward to a sustained partnership with PAVE as we work together to build a safer, more united Kaduna for all”, he stated.

Earlier in his speech, PAVE chairman Eric John explained that the visit is part of their broader effort to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships in preventing and countering violent extremism, saying they believed that faith-based institutions like CAN are not just moral voices but strategic actors in building peace from the grassroots.

PAVE extend heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of CAN for receiving them and for your consistent role in promoting peace, tolerance, and social harmony across Kaduna State.

According to PAVE at a time when their communities are facing growing threats from violent extremism, religious intolerance, and youth radicalization, they must rised together to defend their common humanity, and therefore e called on CAN Kaduna mobilize faith leaders and congregations to champion peace narratives and reject hate speech in all forms,

“Collaborate with PAVE in organizing sensitization forums within churches and Christian youth groups, especially in areas vulnerable to extremist recruitment,
and actively support the development of a Kaduna State Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism that places communities and faith actors at the center”, it requested.

PAVE noted that peace is a shared responsibility, adding that ‘As faith leaders, you have unmatched influence in shaping hearts, minds, and communities. We ask that you continue to use your platforms to preach unity, empathy, and reconciliation”.