FORGIVENESS AS A VITAL PRE-CONDITION FOR PEACE
The Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) is a faith-based, non-profit, humanitarian organization co-founded in Nigeria in 1995 by Pastor Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, with headquarters in Kaduna.
It works to build trust and to enhance peaceful and positive relationship among ethnic-religious groups and institutions. The Centre creates space for dialogue which leads to peaceful coexistence and it engages relevant stakeholders: youth, women, traditional
leaders, religious leaders, etc.
At the initiative of the IMC, a “Garden of Forgiveness” was commissioned today in Jos to encourage the culture of forgiveness as a way of promoting more peaceful coexistence in the Plateau.
The Forgiveness Garden situated opposite Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA), Jos was commissioned by His Excellency, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who declared that henceforth the 7th of February will be a public holiday in Plateau State to mark “Forgiveness Day”.
The event was attended by many dignitaries including traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of NGOs, security agents and government officials.
Forgiveness is paramount. It effectively breaks the circle of violence and revenge, creating an atmosphere favourable to peaceful coexistence and progress in all ramifications.
To be able to forgive is evidence of spiritual maturity.
O God, as you forgive us daily the offences we commit against you, may we too forgive one another unconditionally so that peace will reign and flow like a river in Plateau State and in all parts of Nigeria.
