By Maryam Diallo
The Chairman of the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Feron, expressed that the Commission has been working tirelessly over the years to promote peace and mitigate conflicts across the state.
He made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the House of Kaduna Family (HoKF) to bid farewell to the former Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Saleh B. Momale. The event took place at the SSG Conference Hall in Kawo, Kaduna, on Wednesday.
Most Reverend Idowu-Feron emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have worked diligently to achieve the Commission’s goals over the past seven years. He credited the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of stakeholders to peace as the driving force behind the relative peace currently seen in Kaduna.
In her welcome address, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of KSPC, Hajiya Khadija Hawaja Gambo, expressed gratitude to the Commission’s Chairman, Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Feron, for his continuous guidance and encouragement since the Commission’s inception. She noted that despite being based in the UK and now in the U.S., the Chairman has remained a steadfast source of support for the Commission, offering hope and direction.
Hajiya Gambo also thanked the Co-Chairmen of the HoKF, Apostle (Dr) Emmanuel Kure and Sheikh (Dr) Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, for organizing the event in honor of Dr. Momale. She commended Dr. Momale for his exceptional leadership, particularly for the patience and integrity he demonstrated during his tenure. She assured that his contributions would remain a lasting legacy within the Commission, adding that the KSPC had learned much under his leadership and looked forward to continued support and guidance in the future.
Speaking at the event, Apostle (Dr) Emmanuel Kure praised Dr. Momale, describing him as a selfless servant in both his role in the Commission and his work as a peace advocate. He stated that Dr. Momale’s brilliance is something Nigeria should protect, emphasizing that if he continues to be as selfless and dedicated to uniting people, there will be hope for the country. Apostle Kure shared that Dr. Momale often worked behind the scenes, actively engaging with communities, even in times of crisis, without seeking recognition.
“Dr. Momale is selfless,” he said. “When we thought the Commission was inactive, we would hear that he was in communities, working with youth and elders. He was always proactive and worked to resolve conflicts, often without even informing the Commission.”
Apostle Kure expressed appreciation for Dr. Momale’s significant contributions and hoped that he would continue to apply his initiative and drive in his new role.
Similarly, Sheikh (Dr) Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, the other Co-Chairman of the HoKF, praised Dr. Momale’s leadership qualities, highlighting his proficiency and remarkable communication skills. Sheikh Gumi remarked that Dr. Momale’s background, coming from ‘Ruga’, played a part in shaping his leadership style. He expressed confidence that Dr. Momale was in the right place in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, where his energy and expertise could make a significant impact. He hoped that Dr. Momale would be tasked with facilitating peace between herders and farmers, given his experience and dedication.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Haruna Alifa, the UNDP Programmes Manager in Kaduna, acknowledged Dr. Momale’s pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts in the state. He mentioned that the UNDP team felt the loss of Dr. Momale’s departure but expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Acting EVC, staff, and Board of the KSPC to continue the important work.
Reverend Ma’aji Caleb Bawa, Chairman of the state chapter of CAN, spoke on behalf of Malam Isa Ibrahim Kufena, Secretary of the state JNI. He described Dr. Momale as a relational and stabilizing force, capable of fitting into any situation to foster peace. He thanked Dr. Momale for his tireless work in building peace in Kaduna State and beyond.
Responding, Dr. Momale expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his tenure. He shared that the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development had given him a dual mandate – coordinating and supporting him in some of the pastoral development initiatives to addressing issues of conflict resolution. He reassured stakeholders of his continued commitment to working together with them, as well as other peace commissions and traditional institutions, at both the state and federal levels.
including supporting pastoral development initiatives and addressing conflict resolution. He reassured stakeholders of his continued commitment to working together with them, as well as other peace commissions and traditional institutions, at both the state and federal levels.
“I will continue to count on your guidance and support,” Dr. Momale said, emphasizing, “I will keep coming back to work with you.”
He also thanked the media for their support, noting that it was not for financial gain but because of their passion for peacebuilding. He expressed his appreciation for their ongoing efforts, not only in Kaduna State but across the country.
The event came to a closed with the presentation of a half-million Naira cash gift to Dr. Momale, by members of HoKF and Chairman of the Commission.
