By Hosea Parah

Kaduna State has taken a prominent place on the global stage following the participation of Hon. Henry Marah, Member representing Jaba Local Government Area Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, at the 2026 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit held in Washington, D.C., from February 2 to 4, 2026.

Hon. Marah, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Information and NGOs, joined policymakers, diplomats, and human rights advocates from across the world to deliberate on pressing issues surrounding freedom of religion and belief, peacebuilding, and the protection of persecuted religious communities.

The summit culminated in the Capitol Hill Advocacy Day at the United States Capitol, featuring a Capitol Hill Advocacy Breakfast and an open joint hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The hearing focused on Defending Religious Freedom Around the World and provided a platform for robust discussions on global challenges to religious liberty and the need for stronger international cooperation in safeguarding fundamental human rights.

A key highlight of the summit was an interfaith event titled “United in Advocacy: A Year in Solidarity with the Persecuted,” which underscored the shared responsibility of governments, faith leaders, and civil society organizations in standing together against religious persecution worldwide.

Hon. Henry Marah’s participation at the high-level summit underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual coexistence. His engagement also reflects Kaduna State’s growing role in global conversations on religious harmony and human rights, particularly in a region known for its diversity of faiths and cultures.

The participation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and complements the peace-building vision of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, both of whom have consistently emphasized unity, inclusion, and religious harmony as pillars for national development.

Observers describe Hon. Marah’s involvement as a strong signal of Kaduna State’s dedication to fostering dialogue, strengthening democratic values, and contributing meaningfully to international efforts aimed at protecting freedom of religion and belief.