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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advocated continuous dialogue among the different religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria to sustain the country’s fragile peace and unity.
CAN, in a statement on Thursday, indicated that its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the suggestion at an event to mark the 2025 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference in Ibadan.
He said: “In Nigeria, a country of diversity, we must continue to engage in dialogue as the only option to achieve and sustain peace and harmony. To deepen our engagement with one another, we must continue to promote religious literacy among the citizens, highlighting the common values that we share, which bring us together rather than those issues that divide us.
“Religious literacy would help us to see that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Our religiosity must be seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Therefore, we must do everything within our powers to resist all false teachings that use religion to create enmity among our people in Nigeria.”
He said that CAN recognises the imperative of dialogue for peace and sustainable development, and that was why the leaders of the Association got involved with the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to form the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), which brings prominent leaders of the two major religions in Nigeria together in peaceful dialogue.
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He said the Council, which is led by two Co-Chairmen—the President of CAN and the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)—has recorded many successes in efforts to reduce religious conflict in Nigeria since its establishment in 1999.
“NIREC, therefore, must be celebrated as one of the greatest efforts to bring about peace and harmony in Nigeria. At a time when our world faces unprecedented challenges, ranging from social inequalities to climate crises, from violent extremism to the erosion of trust between communities, our commitment to interfaith harmony is more critical than ever.
“The principles of love, mutual respect, and mutual understanding that underpin this gathering are the very tools we need to heal divisions and build bridges of reconciliation.
“The message of love of the good and love of the neighbour is universal. It transcends all borders, religions, and cultures, resonating with every faith tradition in the world.
“It is a call to action that invites us to recognise the divine spark in one another, to extend kindness even in the face of adversity, and to work collectively towards a future where justice and peace prevail,” he added.
