Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA), in collaboration with Freedom of Religion and Beliefs (FoRB), convened a stakeholders’ seminar which featured prominent figures from diverse faith traditions in Abuja to advance the cause of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, the Country Coordinator of FFA, Nigeria, Mr Felix Samari, underscored the organisation’s efforts in creating a level playing field for all religious adherents. He explained that the FoRB Education initiative aims to foster mutual respect and understanding among different faith groups, thereby setting the tone for the day’s deliberations.
The seminar featured a robust interactive session where participants discussed the central role of tolerance and interfaith understanding in nation-building. They exchanged insights and experiences on strategies to strengthen religious harmony across communities.
A major highlight was the Plenary Session, which featured two distinguished leaders: Sheikh Nuruddeen Lemu, representing Islam, and Dr Gloria Puldu, representing Christianity. Sheikh Lemu stressed Islam’s values of compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, noting that true faith promotes respect for others. Dr Puldu, in turn, drew on Christian principles of love, forgiveness, and kindness as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ, emphasising that interfaith dialogue is essential to fostering unity in a diverse society.
The seminar concluded with a collective pledge by stakeholders to deepen efforts in promoting religious freedom and interfaith coexistence. They resolved to encourage more open dialogue, particularly among young people, to instil values of peace, respect, and harmony.
The clarion call remains that all religious adherents must work together to build a more inclusive and harmonious Nigeria where citizens of every belief can live side by side in peace.
