Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, Guard Time Information Host Landmark Religious Freedom Summit in Abuja
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Abuja witnessed a historic convergence of Christian leaders, human rights activists, legal experts, and traditional rulers as Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, in partnership with Guard Time Information (Human Rights Activists Nationwide), convened a national Religious Freedom Summit under the theme “Defending Religious Freedom as a Gospel Imperative.”
The summit, which took place over two days at the National Christian Center and Royal Choice Inn Conference Center, Jubilee House, was designed as a nationwide Christian human rights platform. It drew participants and dignitaries from across the country and underscored the urgent call for a unified agenda to protect Christian rights and advance the cause of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Felix Samari, Country Contractor for Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, spoke on the critical state of religious freedom in the country, stressing the need for consistent advocacy to safeguard Christian communities. He was joined by Pastor Dele Adebayo from African Services, who lent further weight to the call for stronger protections.
Mr. Bibi Oduku highlighted constitutional shortcomings that have, in practice, relegated Christians to second-class citizens in some contexts. “Christian leaders and believers must speak the truth about what is happening in the society and advocate for laws to be enforced as they are meant to be,” he said. His remarks resonated with participants who expressed concern over ongoing discrimination and violence against Christian communities.
From the legal perspective, Barrister Bob James, Head of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, urged the establishment of Religious Human Rights Committees across all states and communities to serve as institutional safeguards for the rights of Christian citizens.
His Excellency Hon. Wafari Theman, a former legislator and governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, added that human capital development and legal literacy remain vital tools for empowering Nigerians of all faiths to defend their freedoms.
Traditional rulers and bishops at the summit raised alarm over increasing attacks on Christians and the persecution of leaders who defend their communities. They collectively called for policy reforms and strategic action that would guarantee equity and protection in religious practice.
Several high-profile dignitaries graced the summit, including representatives of His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang Esq, Governor of Plateau State; Chief Barr. Leonard Dan Nzadon, member of the NBA National Executive Council; Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua; Rev. Prof. James Reynolds, Provost of the Theological College of Northern Nigeria; and Archbishop Joe Jatau Yari. Their presence lent additional weight to the summit’s message of urgent national attention to religious freedom.
In reaffirming the commitment of the organizers, Mr. Bibi Oduku emphasized that Guard Time Information (Human Rights Activists Nationwide) and Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria remain steadfast in advancing human rights education and advocacy across Nigeria.
He stressed that both organizations stand at the forefront of promoting peace, justice, and religious freedom for all citizens. He also urged Nigerians to remain united, law-abiding, and committed to sustaining peace in the country.
The summit concluded with a collective resolve from participants to pursue reforms, strengthen advocacy, and forge a national coalition dedicated to defending the rights and freedoms of Christians and all faith groups in Nigeria.
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