“I hold the government responsible for the insecurity in the country” – Joseph John Hayab

….. THEY SEEM WEAK IN HANDLING THESE TERRORISTS

Reverend Joseph John Hayab is a well-known figure among Christians, particularly in the North. He is not only a man of God, but also a Christian mobilizer who has been at the forefront of fighting for the interests of Christians and the downtrodden.

Rev. Hayab served as the secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from 2003 to 2010. He also served as the Special Adviser on Christian and Pilgrimage Matters to former Governors Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and Muktar Ramalan Yero, and as Chairman of CAN Kaduna State from 2019 to 2024. Currently, Hayab is the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria.

Hayab has held various positions in promoting the cause of Christians, and he has done so diligently because of the inherent qualities bestowed upon him by God, not because he is ambitious. Over the years, Hayab has proved himself to be fearless, consistent in his cause, and loyal to the ideals and beliefs of his faith.

It came as no surprise when various Christian associations paid accolades to Hayab during a Thanksgiving Service honouring him for his meritorious service as State CAN Secretary and Chairman, held at the Amazing Grace Baptist Church Unguwan Zahwu, Gonin Gora, Kaduna. During his tenure as CAN Chairman, he tirelessly made sure that Christians were heard in the state, while the association grew from strength to strength.

The President of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna, Rev. Prof. Moses Audi, has affirmed the proactive service of the current Chairman of the Seminary Board of Governors, stating that he is very generous in all his dealings and his leadership qualities are evident.

The new chairman, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, has described Hayab as a leader who cannot be ignored, an encyclopedia of great knowledge, a man filled with wisdom and insight, and a man filled with love for humanity. Ma’aji Caleb prayed that Hayab will continue to be a blessing to generations to come, and that God rewards him for his kind service to humanity and Christendom in Kaduna State.

The Amazing Grace Baptist Church, U/Zhawu, Gonin – Gora, has also paid tribute to the former Chairman, stating that under his guidance, the Christian community in Kaduna has flourished due to his commitment to promoting peace and understanding amongst Christians of diverse backgrounds. Through his leadership, Hayab has fostered an environment of dialogue and cooperation, strengthening the bonds of fellowship within the Christian community and beyond. The church further noted that he has tirelessly advocated for the rights and well-being of Christians, reaching out in compassion to those in need, regardless of their faith or background.

Rev. Donald Y. Arak of the Southern Kaduna Baptist Conference has also commended the immediate past Chairman for his doggedness, boldness, and determination to get things done. He added that Hayab’s ability to confront and speak truth to power is uncommon and that he represents the Baptist with integrity and a great sense of responsibility.

Speaking to City People after the Thanksgiving Service, Rev. Hayab who is now the Country Director, Global Peace Foundation, lamented that bandits were taking advantage of the government’s weakness to torment innocent citizens, and condemned the recent abduction of over 200 school children in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of the State.

Hayab who pastored a Church in that community (Kuriga) more than 30 years ago, said the majority of the inhabitants in that community were peasant farmers, while most of the men were heavy truck drivers. He questioned what was Government going to negotiate with the bandits for. “If they have grudges they should present them to the Government instead of Kidnapping innocent children”.

Hayab, who was previously a member of the state’s Inter-Religious Harmony committee, stated that the bandits who are causing chaos are criminals who intend to steal money and are using cover-ups as an excuse. He questioned the need for negotiations, saying, “What is there to negotiate?” Sheikh Gumi had informed them that he would preach to the bandits, and if necessary, they would mobilize people to do the same, but not negotiate. Hayab added that the bandits are exploiting the government’s weakness and torturing Nigerians. He holds the government responsible for the situation.

As the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation, a non-governmental organization, Hayab told Citypeople that the Foundation promotes a values-based approach to peacebuilding. He added that as a Development Practitioner and Public Affairs Commentator, he loves to see people making positive use of religion. He emphasized the need to work together to find solutions to problems and challenges of peace.

Hayab said that as the Head of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, the organization focuses solely on promoting peace. He stated that they will continue to wage peace through the umbrella of One Family under God. He advocated for looking at people based on their humanity before their religion, ethnicity, tribe or region. He believes that we are more alike as humans than we are different due to the language we speak or our religion. Therefore, collective efforts must be made to promote a culture of Peace to attain the socio-economic development we all desire.

Hayab mentioned that the GPF has conducted numerous programs in various communities in Kaduna and other locations across the country, towards mitigating violence, reconciling differences, and promoting peaceful co-existence.

Revd Joseph John Hayab and wife

As part of activities marking International Peace Day, the Country Director disclosed that GPF has engaged various stakeholders to support the Peace Campaign in Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau States where the Foundation has a peace project. He urged all Nigerians to embrace peace and manifest the sincerity of their various conversations as government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and people working for peace, rather than just talking about it.

GPF will continue to make peace efforts across Nigeria, hold a series of workshops and capacity-building training for various groups on how to mitigate violence and promote a culture of peace in their community. They have also trained participants on Financial Literacy, and encouraged them to form cooperative groups to uplift their lives. Hayab concluded by saying that peace is the only way forward, and we should all work together towards achieving it.

Asabe Ndoma