Clerics Urged To End Hate Sermons, Promote Unity
By BUNMI BUSOLA
PASTOR Segun Solomon of Christ Light Church, Ilorin, has called on religious leaders across Nigeria to promote unity and deliberately steer away from teachings that fuel inter-religious hatred and division. He made the appeal on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, stressing that clerics carry enormous influence and must use it responsibly.
Solomon warned that inflammatory sermons and public statements by some religious leaders have contributed to recurring tensions between followers of different faiths. According to him, rivalry among Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers has often been manufactured through biased narratives that portray other religions as enemies rather than neighbours.
He urged clerics to emphasise shared humanity and peaceful coexistence, noting that Nigerians of different beliefs have lived together harmoniously for generations. “Everyone should see one another as family, but many people have been brainwashed by their leaders,” he said.
The pastor argued that peace cannot take root if leaders continue to sow seeds of suspicion and hostility. He stressed that pastors and imams must lead by example, using their platforms to preach love, tolerance and mutual respect.
Solomon added that national cohesion depends largely on how religious leaders shape the attitudes of their followers, urging them to consciously reject hate-driven rhetoric and become ambassadors of unity.
