…Says Religious Literacy is Key to Sustaining Peace in Nigeria
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called for urgent and sustained interfaith dialogue to preserve peace and harmony in Nigeria, warning against religious divisions and false teachings that sow enmity.
Speaking at the 2025 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference and Awards in Ibadan, Archbishop Okoh stressed that religious literacy and mutual understanding remain vital for unity in a diverse society like Nigeria.
“We must continue to engage in dialogue as the only option to achieve and sustain peace and harmony. Promoting religious literacy will help us see that what unites us is greater than what divides us,” he stated.
NIREC’s Role in Promoting Peace
The conference, themed “The Love of the Good and the Love of the Neighbour”, with a sub-theme “Peace for Our Time”, brought together faith leaders, scholars, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening interfaith cooperation and social cohesion.
Archbishop Okoh highlighted the success of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC), co-chaired by CAN and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in reducing religious conflicts since its formation in 1999.
“NIREC must be celebrated as one of the greatest efforts to bring about peace and harmony in Nigeria. Dialogue remains our strongest weapon against religious intolerance and extremism,” he added.
Call for Religious Tolerance and Rights Protection
The CAN President urged Nigerians to defend the rights of others, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing that peace can only thrive when people recognize their shared humanity.
“It is in defending the rights of others that our own rights can be protected. We must speak up for others, recognizing the common humanity we all share,” he noted.
Commending the United Nations for championing interfaith dialogue, Archbishop Okoh applauded the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to building bridges across religious divides.
Faith Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Peace
He also recognized Honor 103.5 FM and Pan-Af Publishers for organizing the event and urged all stakeholders to remain committed to fostering a world where no one is left behind.
“Love is not passive; it demands courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to listen with open hearts and minds. Through acts of love and solidarity, we can truly embody the spirit of this year’s theme,” he said.
As the conference concluded, faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to counter religious extremism, promote peaceful coexistence, and advance a culture of tolerance and understanding.
“Together, through the power of love, we can build a brighter and more united future fo
r all,” Archbishop Okoh affirmed.
