29/08/2026
SANGA CHAIRMAN HON. ANTO USMAN REPRESENTS MINISTER OF DEFENCE AT BOOK LAUNCH, EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE IN KADUNA
Kaduna, Nigeria August 29, 2026
The Executive Chairman of Sanga Local Government, Hon. Anto Usman, today represented the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, at the launch of the book "No Reconciliation Without Forgiveness" by Reverend Ezekiel Bulus and the unveiling of the Zichat Hope Builders Empowerment Initiative held at ECWA Good News Church, Narayi High Cost, Kaduna.
Delivering the Minister's keynote address, Chairman Usman emphasized the critical role of forgiveness in nation-building, describing it as the foundation upon which genuine reconciliation must be built.
In his address, the Minister, represented by Chairman Usman, stated that reconciliation extends far beyond the mere absence of violence:
"True reconciliation requires acknowledgement of wrongs, justice where appropriate, compassion, forgiveness, and a willingness to rebuild relationships. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not mean denying the pain suffered by victims. Rather, forgiveness is a conscious decision not to allow the wounds of yesterday to permanently determine the possibilities of tomorrow."
The Minister described forgiveness as an act of strength rather than weakness, noting that it takes courage to forgive while still seeking justice and institutional reforms that prevent a repetition of wrongdoing.
Addressing the connection between peacebuilding and national security, the Minister emphasized:
"No military, no matter how capable, can by itself build sustainable peace. Security is a collective responsibility. The military and other security agencies have critical roles to play, but citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organisations, women, young people, and the private sector all have important responsibilities."
He stressed that the responsibility of the Armed Forces is not simply to win battles but to create conditions in which communities can return to normal life, children can attend school, farmers can return to their farms, businesses can thrive, and families can live without fear.
The Minister acknowledged the unique responsibility of the church and other faith communities in the work of reconciliation:
"Faith communities have access to the hearts and minds of millions of Nigerians. Religious leaders speak to people not only during crises but throughout their daily lives. The pulpit can therefore become a powerful platform for promoting forgiveness, tolerance, responsible citizenship, and peaceful coexistence."
He called on religious institutions to teach that Nigeria's diversity in ethnicity, language, denomination, and geography should never become justification for hatred or violence, describing diversity as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Commending the organisers of the Zichat Hope Builders Empowerment Initiative, the Minister highlighted the strong connection between hope, empowerment, and peace:
"A young person without opportunity can become vulnerable to manipulation by criminal and violent elements. A community without hope can become susceptible to despair. Empowerment, therefore, is not merely an economic intervention. It is also a peace and security intervention."
He encouraged the initiative to ensure its programmes are inclusive, transparent, and sustainable, reaching young people, women, persons living with disabilities, and vulnerable families across communities.
The Minister delivered a special message to young Nigerians, urging them to reject division and embrace hope:
"Do not allow anyone to weaponise your frustration. Do not allow criminals, extremists, or other agents of division to use your energy for destructive purposes. Your future is greater than any temporary disagreement. You are not merely leaders of tomorrow. You are partners in building Nigeria today."
He encouraged young people to acquire skills, build businesses, serve their communities, use technology responsibly, and reject hate speech, violence, and the politics of ethnic and religious hatred.
"Let your generation be remembered as the generation that chose healing over hatred and development over destruction."
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda to building a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria. He noted that as security institutions are strengthened, the social and economic foundations of peace must equally be strengthened through investment in human capital, creation of opportunities, strengthening of institutions, promotion of justice, and encouragement of dialogue.
The Minister concluded with a powerful call to action:
"Let us forgive without forgetting. Let us seek justice without seeking revenge. Let us remember without nurturing hatred. Let us reconcile without surrendering our principles. And let us build a Nigeria where our children will not inherit the fears and divisions of their parents."
He formally launched the book "No Reconciliation Without Forgiveness" and unveiled the Zichat Hope Builders Empowerment Initiative, commending Reverend Ezekiel Bulus for his contribution to the national conversation on peace and reconciliation.
