Bellwether International: Stakeholders Laud Two-Day Democracy Working Group Training In Kaduna

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: Key stakeholders in Kaduna on Saturday commended a two-day training organized by Bellwether International’s Democracy Working Group, aimed at promoting human dignity, inclusion, and peaceful, democratic communities.

​The event, held from Friday to Saturday at the Stylish Hotel in Kaduna, attracted representatives from the government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, and youth leaders, among others.

​Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, the state coordinator of Democracy Working Group, Tida Leo, stated that the two-day training served as a follow-up to a community visit held in Down quarters In March 2025, the group visited Down quarters to share thoughts and ideas regarding the Democracy Working Group, and following that engagement, funding was secured to train youths, civil society organizations, and government representatives on civic participation, good governance, democracy, and the promotion of freedom of religion and belief, particularly within Kaduna as the pilot state.

Explaining what informed the decision, Leo noted: “Over time, Kaduna State has had a series of crises that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of properties, and unequal imbalances within communities. This actually informed the planning by the Democracy Working Group. You’ll hear me make reference to that because that’s actually the niche—that’s where the whole idea was born—and it came from the Democracy Working Group to set up the ACTIVATE project, which is now being implemented in Down quarters in Kaduna State.”

​According to her, the ACTIVATE project advocates for civic transformation, innovation, and education for children. Its primary goal is to foster a likeminded community that promotes civic spaces for youth to contest political positions, ensures fair opportunities to participate in electoral processes, and enhances the value of education. Another major objective is promoting freedom of religion and belief, as well as freedom of expression, allowing people to relate peacefully within their communities.

Describing the progress made so far, Leo expressed enthusiasm: “For me, it’s very interesting that this is already a welcomed idea, particularly because we have CSOs, representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, INEC, the National Orientation Agency, and the media. Everybody is receptive to the idea, and Down quarters community members are represented and eager to kick-start advocacy to see the needed change in Kaduna State.”

She added that at the end of the training, community members from Down quarters will be supported in developing actionable plans, including community outreaches and local initiatives. Recognizing that community members understand the gaps and context best, the working group, alongside the media, government representatives, and CSOs, will provide hand-holding support to implement these plans.

​Key areas covered during the training included democracy, good governance, and how religion has historically been manipulated to influence people’s decisions. Leo emphasized that this shift begins with individual behavioral changes that trickle down to communities.

​She also reiterated her readiness to partner with stakeholders to identify policy gaps and collaborate with policymakers across Kaduna State.

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​Dr. Terngu Gwar (State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Kaduna Office): Describing freedom of religion and belief as a fundamental human rights issue, noted that violations occur when individuals are unable to worship freely or when politicians manipulate religion for political gain, leading to the loss of life and property. 

He commended the training for creating community dialogues and urged citizens to report violations to the commission, emphasizing the saying, “If you see something, say something.”

​Malam Suleiman Ibrahim (Deputy Director, National Orientation Agency, Kaduna Directorate): Calling the training experience wonderful, highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence and shared experiences among participants. 

He urged all Nigerians to embrace peace, noting that diversity in ethnicity and religion is purposeful and that pursuing violence harms economic growth and societal existence. 

He assured the group of the agency’s commitment to collaborating and taking the message to every corner of Kaduna State.

Mrs. Ofovwe Oluwabumi Ruth (Publicity Officer for Voter Education and Gender, VEPCO, Kaduna State): Describing the seminar as an eye-opener, noted that the training was timely given its proximity to voter registration and upcoming elections. 

She admonished citizens against voter apathy, urging them to view their voter cards as tools for meaningful participation rather than mere identification, and warned against vote-buying.

Earlier, Dr. Suleiman Yusuf Bagirei (Guest Lecturer from IBB University, Lapai): Working with Bellwether International and the Democracy Working Group,  explained that advocacy visits help communities solve their own problems.

 Reflecting on his presentations regarding the nexus between religion and politics, as well as the political manipulation of religion, he noted that the small-scale training serves as a “training of trainers” designed to ripple outward and drive statewide and national change. 

He praised the engagement of participants, stating, “That’s Kaduna for you. Kaduna is the headquarters of Northern Nigeria, so I actually did not expect less.”

​Mr. Ashidi Manasseh Maman (One-time Deputy Governorship Candidate, PRP, 2023 General Elections): Sharing how his perspective shifted during the seminar, noted that political actors often foster artificial divisions, whereas humanity and shared Abrahamic values unite citizens. 

He called on Nigerians to prioritize competence over party, religion, or ethnicity in future elections, while also urging leaders to address brain drain, improve healthcare infrastructure, and maintain accountability. 

He concluded by challenging the youth—who constitute over 70% of the population—to take charge of building a better future.

​Hajiya Rabi Bala (Resident of Down Quarters, Makera): Representing a key community for the project, speaking in Hausa, thanked the organizers for enlightening residents on democracy and grievance redress channels. 

She highlighted critical local challenges, such as the lack of roads affecting school children and pregnant women, and appealed for government intervention, emphasizing that community members value tangible developmental work over monetary inducements or petty sentiments.