Interfaith & Civic Peace Initiative

In the Obadore community, rainfall often results in floods because drainage systems get blocked with refuse.  Floods destroy the livelihoods of market women and ignite bitter communal conflicts that often fracture along religious or ethnic lines.

The project aims to build a multi-sectoral coalition including faith leaders (Christian and Islamic clergy framing environmental stewardship through scriptures), traditional and community leaders (custodians of local culture and grassroots influence), local and state government officials, and market leaders (association executives – Iyaloja/Babaloja).

In nine months, my goal is to secure a formal commitment in the form of a signed document, by representatives of the various stakeholders. We aim to establish: (1) a monthly community-led “Drainage Clearing Day” sustained by religious congregations and market associations; (2) direct communication channel established between Obadore leaders and local government actors for waste management; and (3) conflict reduction – a measurable decrease in small-scale communal disputes related to waste and flood damage.