An NGO, the Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, has launched a new project aimed at promoting cultural and religious pluralism in Nigeria.The project was inaugurated on Thursday in Jos.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Coordinator of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Basil Kassam, said the initiative is supported by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)and funded by Pharos Observatoire, a French organisation.
According to Kassam, the project, titled “Barometer of Cultural and Religious Pluralism in Nigeria,” is a research-based initiative designed to support evidence-driven peacebuilding. It seeks to strengthen early warning and early response mechanisms, build trust among communities, and promote inclusive governance.
“The division along religious, ethnic and political lines are too often exploited, deepening mistrust and weakening the bonds that hold us together. These fractures do not only threaten peace; they undermine development, justice and the dignity of the human person.”he said
The project will be implemented in selected local government areas in Plateau and Kaduna states, including Jamaa’a, Kaura, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos.
Kassam explained that the research is intended to serve as a practical tool for transformation by helping communities move from reacting to crises to preventing them through informed action.
“By generating credible, data-driven insights, we aim to replace suspicion with evidence, rumour with fact and fear with informed action. This research is about strengthening collaboration and empowering communities to address tensions before they escalate.”
He added that the project will provide reliable data to guide policies and interventions, strengthen cooperation between community leaders, faith actors, civil society organisations, and government institutions, and promote dialogue and trust across social divides.
The initiative, he noted, is JDPC’s modest contribution toward advancing accessible justice, inclusive governance, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
