Religious
Bridging Divides: Stakeholders Unite to Tackle Religious Intolerance in Nigeria
Abdulrahman Aliagan,
On January 25, 2025, religious leaders, journalists, scholars, and advocates gathered at the Hawthorn Hotel and Suites in Abuja to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—religious intolerance. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Mrs. Elizabeth Duile, who facilitated the introductions, welcomed the 11 attendees to the gathering. Mr. Samari’s opening remarks set the tone, emphasizing the urgent need to address religious intolerance—a crisis that has deepened divisions, fueled violence, and eroded trust across communities in Nigeria. He outlined six critical goals for the meeting, leadership engagement roles, lending voices to promote FoRB, policy formulation inclusive of FoRB principles, Interfaith collaboration, building trust across religious and ethnic divides, and peacebuilding initiatives.
“The essence of this meeting,” Mr. Samari remarked, “is to achieve peace and ensure that every Nigerian practices their religion and beliefs without fear of intimidation.”
Several speakers provided insights into the root causes and solutions to religious intolerance in Nigeria.
Dr. Suleiman Bagerei, a lecturer from Lapai University, delved into defining religious intolerance, underscoring the need to identify what constitutes such intolerance. He highlighted its damaging effects on societal cohesion.
Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, journalist and National President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, NGIJ traced the origins of religious divisions to colonial-era policies, particularly the indirect rule system. He criticized politicians for exploiting religious differences for political gain and reminisced about Nigeria’s harmonious past.
“In the 80s,” he said, “religious intolerance was almost nonexistent. We lived together, ate together, and played together, irrespective of our beliefs.”
Mal. Habeebu Ibrahim, a staff member of the National Mosque, spoke on the discrimination that pervades contemporary Nigeria, emphasizing how ignorance and stereotypes about other religions perpetuate mistrust.
He pointed out how religious symbols in estates, such as mosques or churches, often reflect the developer’s faith, furthering divisions.
Mrs. Rosita Chinyere addressed how ethnic identity intertwined with religion exacerbates conflicts over resources, land, and power. She emphasized the role of parents in teaching tolerance to children.
Dr. (Mrs) Inya Ode echoed this sentiment, highlighting the multiplier effect of positive family values on society.
Dr. Longi Danbok identified socioeconomic imbalances as a root cause of religious intolerance, arguing that poverty and unemployment create frustrations that extremists exploit.
Mr. Lisam Manji Lawan called out weak law enforcement and judicial processes, which allow perpetrators of religious violence to act with impunity. “Offenders should be treated as criminals,” he declared.
Barrister Rex Erameh, the Abuja Chapter’s Chairman of the Albino Foundation, citing Section 38 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, underscored the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. He stressed the need for policies that ensure equal treatment of all religious groups and uphold the constitutional prohibition of a state religion.
Mal. Alkasim Muhammed Zangina proposed a holistic approach to addressing religious intolerance, urging the political class to adopt strategic frameworks.
After robust deliberations, the participants reached a consensus on actionable steps to curb religious intolerance and promote freedom of religion and belief:
1. Promoting Interfaith Dialogue: Building understanding and respect through conversations among religious leaders and communities.
2. Educational Reform: Incorporating teachings on religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in school curricula.
3. Rule of Law: Ensuring justice for perpetrators of religious violence to deter future incidents.
4. Addressing Socioeconomic Inequalities: Reducing poverty and unemployment to mitigate frustration and prevent exploitation by extremists.
5. Media Sensitization: Leveraging media platforms to promote tolerance and discourage biased portrayals of religious groups.
6. Empowering Religious Leaders: Training leaders to preach unity and discourage divisive rhetoric.
7. Grassroots Engagement: Establishing community peace committees to mediate conflicts.
Additionally, measures to bolster FoRB included creating inclusive policies, celebrating diversity, and fostering international partnerships to support advocacy programs.
A key moment during the meeting was the screening of Unusual Partners, a documentary highlighting the impact of FoRB initiatives in Kaduna State. The film illustrated how interfaith collaboration can bridge divides and promote peace.
Mr. Felix Samari unveiled a proposal to establish the Nigerian Forum for Religious Freedom Advocacy (NicFORM). The platform will focus on awareness campaigns, legal advocacy, and fostering partnerships to strengthen FoRB in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a dinner, allowing participants to network and reflect on the discussions. The conveners and attendees expressed optimism that the strategies outlined would lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and tolerant Nigeria.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of religious intolerance, this Strategic Roundtable Meeting serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that dialogue, education, and collaboration are powerful tools for building a unified and prosperous society.
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Religious
Faith and Freedom Africa Holds Town Hall Meeting in Makurdi, Calls for Deeper Understanding of Constitutional Rights to Freedom of Religion
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Makurdi, Benue State — Concerned about the religious undertones of Nigeria’s security challenges, Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) has renewed calls for respect and protection of every citizen’s right to freedom of religion, as enshrined in Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Speaking at a one-day colloquium held on Wednesday at Batoha Hotel, Makurdi, FFA Country Coordinator Felix Samari questioned the Nigerian government’s recognition of only Christianity and Islam, lamenting that adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) are often treated as “second-class citizens.”
“With Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) advocacy, we are not only speaking for Christians and Muslims but also for practitioners of African traditional religions and even atheists,” Samari said. “Every citizen deserves equal respect and the freedom to worship — or not worship — without discrimination.”
Themed Freedom of Religious Beliefs (FoRB), the event brought together religious leaders, activists, and community members to discuss religious tolerance and inclusion.
A participant and atheist, Mr. Terna Sam-Kange, decried discrimination against non-adherents of Christianity and Islam, calling for “a more open-minded Nigeria where religious belief or lack of it does not determine one’s access to opportunities.”
Similarly, Ms. Doosuur Sue, a practitioner of African Traditional Religion, lamented the exclusion of ATR adherents from government recognition and benefits. “We are Nigerians too and should have equal opportunities and privileges like every other citizen,” she said.
FoRB trainer Dr. Longji Dambok criticized the government’s practice of funding only Christian and Muslim pilgrims’ boards, describing it as “discriminatory and unhealthy for national unity.” He called for reorientation and enlightenment campaigns to foster mutual respect and understanding in Nigeria’s culturally diverse society.
The FFA Town Hall Meeting is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, and the recognition of constitutional rights in communities across Nigeria.
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Eid-el-Maulud: Ododo Prays for Peace, Prosperity in Nigeria
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has prayed for actions that would promote peace, unity and prosperity in the country.
In his goodwill message, Governor Ododo noted that the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reminds humanity of timeless virtues, humility, patience, and compassion which remain the foundation of a just and peaceful society.
“Eid-el-Maulud is not just a celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); it is a call to live by the values that bind us as one people. If we embrace the Prophet’s teachings of kindness, fairness, and justice, we can overcome divisions and build a society rooted in peace and progress,” he said.
Governor Ododo urged Muslims to extend acts of love, kindness and generosity to their neighbours, especially the less privileged, stressing that such small but deliberate efforts help to strengthen bond in communities and foster unity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to building a safer, more inclusive, and economically vibrant Kogi State through policies that place the welfare of the people at the centre of governance
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Crime
Kogi CP Begs For Intelligent Information, Prayers To tackle Insecurity
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye has appealed to the people of the state not to relent in the supply of intelligent information and consistent prayers to curb criminal activities in the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
He made the appeal at First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Lokoja during a Thanksgiving service of Mrs Salami Aderin Eunice, mother of Mr. Segun Salami of Channels TV correspondent in Kogi state who celebrated her 75th years birthday on Sunday June 29th, 2025.
He noted that Kogi state is a difficult state because it is surrounded by 9 states as some of the hoodlums will always like to enter the state and carry out their evil work, but thank God that they have been able to bring the situation under control.
He appeal to the congregation to always offer prayers for them and the state at large and also provide them useful information that can help them curb criminal activities in the state.
His words, “I beg for any kind of intelligence report from you, any information that you get. It could be in your school, your children’s school, it could be even in the church here. It can be in your place of work,’ he said.
Kogi is a very difficult terrain to oversee because of its border to about 10 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja
“So, we need your prayer as individual and as a church to us as the security agencies especially the police in policing the state. It is only by God’s divine backing and enablement.
“I want to beg you to always give us reliable information at your disposal that will enable us to expose the criminal among us
“We will continue to do the needful with the available resources and power to ensure that Kogi remained save and secure,”” Dantawaye said
He commended Kogi state government in its effort to fight crime in the state adding that government need the cooperation of the society and individual to fight crime in the state.
He congratulated Mrs. Salami who clocked 75th years.
In his sermon, titled: “Gratitude to God”, Rev Paul Frank, stressed the need for everyone to be grateful to God for his kindness and benevolent towards us as a people.
“For every benefit we received gratitude is demanded of us. An ingrates will never appreciate anything describing an ingrate as a murderer, selfish.
“Your miracle is attached to your worshipped and testimonies. We must deliberately thank God for His grace that has kept you safe in the midst of the rising insecurity in the country especially in Kogi,” Frank said.
Frank urged the people never to take the grace of God for granted.
Frank congratulated the Salami’s family for walking into the Sanctuary to give gratitude to God, describing the gesture as a necessity to honour Jesus in the life of the celebrant
In his remarks, Segun Salami, described his Mom as a wonderful mother and eulogised her kindness, support and for raising her children in the fear of God.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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