Religious
Muslim Leaders Rally for Stronger Protection of Religious Freedom in Nigeria
…As National Conference Calls for Unity, Peace and Interfaith Cooperation
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
With concerns mounting over divisive rhetoric and intolerance across the country, Nigeria’s leading Muslim clerics, scholars, and traditional rulers have renewed calls for stronger protection of religious freedom, insisting that peace, dialogue and mutual respect must remain central to the nation’s unity.
That message reverberated strongly at the National Muslim Leaders Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), held at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja. The two-day forum, organised by Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA), focused on the theme: “Islam and the Image of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Building a Just and Peaceful Nation.” The gathering brought together top Muslim voices — chief imams, academics, community leaders, and policy influencers — all working to strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to protecting FoRB as guaranteed under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
One of the Chief Imams of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Adam, described Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity as a blessing that must be jealously protected. “Peace is a red line; without it, we cannot progress as a nation,” he said. “God in His infinite mercy created Nigerians in different tribes, ethnicities, and religions — and placed us together. We must maintain peace and protect our unity.” He warned that the tragic experience of the Rwandan genocide should always remind Nigerians never to allow external influences or internal hatred to drive the nation toward disaster.
Felix Joseph Samari, the Country Representative of Faith and Freedom Africa emphasized that FoRB is not about favouring any religion, but about protecting human dignity.
“FoRB does not protect a religion — it protects human beings,” he said. “Every person has the right to believe, worship, or not believe — alone or collectively — without harassment.”
He urged Nigerian Muslims to take leadership in shaping the country’s local narrative on FoRB rather than allowing outsiders to define it.
According to Samari, “Just about two months ago, I stood before Christian leaders at the National Christian Centre here in Abuja for a similar engagement. On that day, I mentioned that our next step would be to convene our Muslim leaders for a conversation on the same essential subject, Freedom of Religion or belief. Today, by the grace of God, that they as come. I am grateful to God and deeply honoured that we gathered as partners I. A movement committed to building a peaceful, just, and harmonious nation where everyone can practice their faith freely without fear.
He stated further, “The National Muslim Leaders Conference is holding g at a time when Nigeria is undergoing intense conversation about the right to religious freedom. For us at Faith and Freedom Africa, this is not a new concern. What feels new today are the emerging narrative and dimensions surrounding FoRB in our country. This shift are not because religious leaders have been silent, but perhaps because as a nation, we have not insisted strongly enough on a shared, sincere and well defined National agenda for freedom of religion or belief. And indeed, it is you our esteemed religious leaders that hold the moral authority to champion this agenda.
Speakers rooted their messages in the Qur’an, noting Islam’s clear stance on peaceful coexistence and the absence of compulsion in matters of faith. Guest lecturer, Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa, a Professor in the department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria noted that the work of a cleric is to guide society with wisdom, not to promote hate or violence.
“Inflammatory preaching has no place in Islam. A cleric’s mission is to guide — not incite hatred,” he stressed.
Governance expert, Dogarawa reminded participants that Nigeria’s global reputation depends on how well its people treat one another.
“Nigeria is our only homeland — we must demonstrate unity, patriotism and tolerance,” he said.
Another respected interfaith advocate, Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, a Co-founder of the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), Kaduna,p and the founder of Ashafa Relief Foundation, both of which focus on peace building, Interfaith dialogue and community development who drew from the Prophet Muhammad’s example of kindness to neighbours and cooperation with non-Muslims, explaining that Muslims today must revive those values to reduce rising suspicion between faith communities.
Navy Captain (Imam) Gidado Taofiq, Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters, warned against branding crimes with religious labels. “Crime has no religion. You cannot say ‘Islamic terrorism’ or ‘Islamic banditry.’ Terrorism is terrorism, banditry is banditry,” he stated firmly.
He urged Nigeria’s media industry to desist from sensational reporting capable of provoking conflict, and supported the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs to help regulate preaching nationwide and promote harmony.
Historian and senior scholar, Prof. Sani Umar of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Abuja, presented a paper titled “Freedom of Religion or Belief: Imperative for Peace and Development,” where he linked FoRB directly to national growth.
According to him, “No development can take place where fear, injustice, or discrimination thrives,” he insisted.
“Freedom of religion is essential for national stability and prosperity.” His submission drew strong applause.
Other speakers strengthened the discourse from different perspectives. Mallam Abdullazeez Shittu of the University of Abuja noted that peace has become the world’s most expensive commodity, warning that the absence of FoRB accelerates global conflict.
Mallam Hassan Buniyadi of JIBWIS, FCT, condemned parents who bring children into the world without taking responsibility for their upbringing — a trend he said fuels societal ignorance and extremism.
Participants such as Mallam Sulaiman Shuaibu of Arewa Forum Kaduna, and Malam Yusuf Sherifudeen of Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State, praised Faith and Freedom Africa for spearheading a movement that they believe will drastically reduce religious tensions and empower believers to practice their faith confidently.
Imam Tahir Baba Ibrahim, who represented the Kaduna State Bureau of Religious Affairs, endorsed the call for a federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, noting that a structured coordination of religious activities could prevent crises.
Traditional rulers also pledged commitment to FoRB advocacy. The Emir of Kaura-Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, emphasized that cultural leaders must protect diversity and equal rights among adherents of all faiths, cautioning that removing religious education from schools would only fuel extremism.
The Emir of Gwargada in Kuje Area Council commended FFA for its peace-building efforts and declared his full support going forward.
In his goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe congratulated the organisers for convening the conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. He urged them to scale the engagement by taking similar sensitization events to states and local government areas nationwide.
Meanwhile, Waziri Kebbi advised that the communiqué from the conference be submitted to state governors, with strategic plans for government involvement in promoting peaceful coexistence and FoRB compliance.
The conference also reviewed the progress Faith and Freedom Africa has made in FoRB advocacy over the years. Aside from Abuja, the organisation has successfully implemented community engagement activities in Jalingo, Taraba State, and Makurdi, Benue State — initiatives that have boosted trust, reduced fear and improved knowledge about freedom of religion among grassroots populations.
Looking ahead, participants were informed of a landmark Joint Muslim–Christian Leaders Conference scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 — a major step designed to consolidate progress, strengthen interfaith networks, and ensure that no Nigerian is intimidated or harassed for their faith identity.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Shehu Usman, Assistant Imam of the National Mosque, offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity, while representatives from women and youth faith organisations — including Hajia Muheebat Abdulrasaq from FOMWAN — reaffirmed their dedication to promoting tolerance through community initiatives.
The overarching message from the gathering was clear and compelling: Nigeria’s diversity is a gift from God; religious freedom is a non-negotiable human right; peace is the foundation of worship; and unity is the true expression of faith.
The Abuja conference — built on scholarship, dialogue, and shared patriotic conviction — marks a significant stride toward a nation where every Nigerian can worship freely, build trust with neighbours of different beliefs, and contribute together to peace and progress.
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Religious
Faith Must Shape Nigeria’s Renewal, Says CSN Secretary General in New Year Message
By Abah Anthony John
The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, has called on Nigerians to allow their faith shape personal conduct, civic responsibility, and national renewal, stressing that genuine transformation of the country must begin with renewed consciences rooted in God. js">
In his New Year message titled “Faith at the Service of the Nation”, released on January 1, 2026, Fr. Banjo reflected on the Christian understanding of time, describing it not merely as a sequence of days but as “the sacred space in which God acts for our salvation.”
He reminded Nigerians that through the Incarnation, when Christ entered human history, time itself was redeemed and given meaning.“Whatever resolutions we may make at the beginning of this year, the most fundamental must be the resolve never to live our time without God at its centre,” he said, noting that time “only finds its meaning when it is lived with God within it.”
The Catholic priest explained that Christmas fundamentally changed humanity’s identity, moving believers “from slavery to sonship.”
According to him, through Christ’s life, death and resurrection, Christians became sons and daughters of God, a new identity that carries concrete responsibilities in daily life.
“Faith that does not shape life has not yet been fully received,” he said.
Fr. Banjo emphasized that living as children of God requires courage and responsibility, especially in challenging times.
He said this identity demands a life free from fear and panic, grounded in the assurance of God’s abiding presence.
“The child of God lives without panic, because God is never absent,” he noted, urging Nigerians to recognize one another as brothers and sisters and to reject divisions based on tribe, religion or social status.
He also underscored the importance of family life, describing marriage as “a covenant of love and fidelity” marked by patience, forgiveness and mutual respect.
According to him, giving God a place in daily life through prayer, charity, honest work and care for family is essential, because divine sonship “is not an idea to admire, but a life to be lived.”
Turning to national life, the CSN Secretary General said the identity of Nigerians as children of God places a moral obligation on them as citizens.
He stressed that loving Nigeria goes beyond criticizing its failures and requires personal commitment to what is right.
“Nations are renewed when consciences are renewed,” he said, adding that renewal does not begin only in government offices but in the daily choices of ordinary citizens.
Fr. Banjo called for honesty, fairness and respect in the use of public resources, warning that the abuse of roads, schools, hospitals and public utilities reflects a deeper neglect of conscience.
“What we destroy in public space reveals what we neglect in conscience,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to prepare responsibly for the 2027 general elections, advising citizens to make choices guided by truth, conscience and the common good rather than by money, ethnic loyalty or divisive rhetoric.
He challenged public servants to reject bribery and abuse of office, while calling on traders, artisans and workers to act with integrity, reminding them that their labour is ultimately offered to God.
Highlighting the role of families and education, Fr. Banjo described the family as the “basic building block of society,” noting that the strength of a nation is shaped in the quality of its homes.
He urged parents and teachers to see their role as a “sacred trust,” forming consciences through faith, discipline, honesty and hard work. Quoting Proverbs 22:6, he said proper formation of children quietly but decisively shapes the future of society.
He paid special attention to young people, warning that youth is not merely preparation for the future but a decisive moment of responsibility.
He urged them to choose discipline over recklessness and to reject drugs, crime and other destructive paths that promise quick freedom but end in loss. “A disciplined youth is a nation’s quiet revolution,” he said.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s difficulties in the past year, including economic hardship, insecurity and social tension, Fr. Banjo said the New Year itself is a sign of hope.
However, he cautioned that such hope must be active and responsible. “Hope becomes credible when it is translated into responsibility,” he said.
He concluded by praying for God’s strength and guidance, expressing confidence that if Nigerians live authentically as sons and daughters of God, the New Year can become “a turning point in the renewal of our nation,” marked by justice, peace and hope.
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News
Gov Ododo Reaffirms Commitment To Religious Harmony, Peace, Unity
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, and mutual coexistence across the three senatorial districts of the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The Governor gave the assurance while addressing participants at a One-Day Peace Conference organized by the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative in Okene.
The conference, themed “Essence of Peace and Unity Among the Muslim Ummah,” was held at Ohinoyi’s Palace in Okene Local Government Area.
The meeting brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, youth groups, and stakeholders from across Kogi State to deliberate on peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility in strengthening societal harmony.
Governor Ododo commended the organizers for championing a platform that reinforces unity within the Muslim Ummah while also fostering tolerance across ethnic and religious divides.
He emphasized that sustainable development is impossible without peace, stating that Kogi State has earned recognition as a model of peaceful coexistence through the mutual efforts of citizens and the government’s proactive peace-building strategies.
He noted that No society grows in an environment of hatred and division. Peace is the foundation on which we can build prosperity, and unity is the bond that keeps us together as one people.
He further highlighted the role of government and religious leadership in securing long-term peace, noting that security is not achieved by force alone but through deliberate relationship-building and inclusive engagement.
“Our major responsibility is to provide security for our people, and in providing that security you must ensure unity of the land. One of the ways of guaranteeing peace and unity is by deploying non-kinetic methods of resolving issues,” he said.
“Today we have come to meet with our people and the Islamic leaders to engage them constructively on the need for us to give peace a chance, and hence the unity of our state, our land, and our people, so that we can all sleep with our two eyes closed.”
“I have just finished a meeting with all Islamic Scholars in Ebiraland and the Kogi Central Senatorial District, of course, we are working on that of the West and the East, then the Christian and Traditional aspect as well. To ensure peace, you must engage all critical stakeholders, and the Chief Imams, Sheikhs, and Ustaz are leaders the people believe in Islam, so we must work with them.”
“We are happy that we are all ready to give peace a chance in Kogi State.”
Earlier in his goodwill message, Chairman of the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative Committee, Ustaz Ismail Obosi Suleiman, stressed the importance of unity among various Islamic sects across Ebiraland. He emphasized that while disagreements are natural, hostility is a choice, citing Qur’an 3:103: “Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided.”
Suleiman called for inter-sect dialogue, focus on shared values, and rejection of political manipulation that seeks to worsen divisions. He urged religious leaders to model respectful engagement and promote authentic Islamic teachings to help dispel misconceptions among followers.
He reaffirmed that peace remains the foundation for a prosperous Ebiraland and called on all groups to work collectively toward sustaining unity.
The One-Day Peace Conference concluded with a renewed commitment by Islamic scholars, government representatives, and community stakeholders to strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that Kogi State continues to thrive as a united society.
Other dignitaries who shared their views on peaceful coexistence are the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, His Royal Majesty Alh Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje and the provost of National Defence College Professor Adam Okene Ahmed
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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News
Yuletide: Oruma Calls on Christian Faithfulls to Dedicate the Season to Prayers for Nigeria
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The National President Igala Centre for Development Advocate, Prince Musa Oruma calls on Igala Sons and daughters to inclulcate love and unity as a recipe for progress of Igala Nations while dedicate this festivity period to prayer for meaningful progress in Igala Nation, and Nigeria as a whole. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Oruma made the call in a Christmas greetings message he personally signed and circulated.
He admonished especially the Christian faithful to dedicate the season to prayers for Nigeria and Nigerians, asking God Almighty to intervene positively in the affairs of the nation and to grant the country lasting peace and stability in the face of insecurity.
He further told Christians to also remember our leaders at all levels in their prayers, seeking divine guidance, wisdom, and courage to enable them to govern with fairness, compassion, and a sincere commitment to national unity and development.
Oruma wished Christians in Kogi State, Nigeiria and across the world a joyous Christmas celebration while praying that the season would bring renewed hope, strong faith, peace and abundant blessings to families nationwide.
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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