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Members of various religious faith, free thinkers, scholars, media professionals, civil society actors, and community representatives convened in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, for a landmark stakeholders’ meeting organized by Faith and Freedom Africa to address Nigeria’s growing concerns over religious intolerance, extremism, and the safeguarding of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).

The meeting, held at Candlelux Hotel, Durumi, served as a platform for robust dialogue on promoting peaceful coexistence, justice, and mutual respect among Nigerians, regardless of faith. Experts from diverse fields examined practical strategies to advance FoRB and counter the political manipulation of religion, widely acknowledged as a key driver of division across the country.

Delivering a virtual address, Sheikh Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training at the Islamic Education Trust, stressed the importance of justice and tolerance in religious practice. He cautioned against using faith as a tool of division, urging Nigerians to embrace diversity as a divine design.

“True religion is justice, and God always stands with the victim,” he said, emphasizing that no group has a monopoly on God’s mercy or compassion. He warned against limiting God’s love to human preferences, describing such tendencies as a distortion of divine will.

From the Christian perspective, Prof. Gloria Puldu of the University of Jos drew from personal experiences of discrimination and reminded participants that Christianity rejects coercion of faith. She cited biblical principles in urging Nigerians to respect freedom of conscience and called on authorities to ensure accountability for violations of religious rights.

The dialogue also highlighted the role of media and education in fostering inclusivity. Stakeholders charged journalists to promote balanced reporting and constructive interfaith narratives, while advocating the integration of FoRB principles into school curricula to nurture empathy, tolerance, and respect among young Nigerians.

Assoc. Prof. Daud Abubakar, Director of the Daud Research Institute, reinforced Nigeria’s constitutional identity as a secular state. He cautioned against elevating one religion above others and advocated stricter monitoring of religious sermons to curb hate speech and political exploitation, drawing parallels with Sudan’s experience.

Other voices, including Rev. Ozumbe Emmanuel Nicodamus of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Benjamin Jonathan Fuluta of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, and Mrs. Agozie Ebere of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reiterated calls for mutual respect, better regulation of religious leadership, and value-driven parenting to address intolerance at the grassroots.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the FoRB Micro-Course, an online training initiative introduced by Mr. Felix Samari, Country Contractor for Faith and Freedom Africa. The program is designed to raise a new generation of FoRB ambassadors who will drive interfaith dialogue and advocacy nationwide.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with participants pledging to champion justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. A group photograph captured the symbolic unity of the diverse stakeholders, reaffirming their collective commitment to building an inclusive Nigeria where every citizen can freely practice their faith without fear or prejudice.

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