Dialogue, Not Division: Religious Leaders Unite In Call For Lasting Peace In Nigeria
RELIGIOUS leaders and scholars have reiterated the urgent need for inter-religious dialogue as a sustainable path to peace, security, and development in Nigeria.
Speaking at a seminar themed “Inter-religious Dialogue: The Panacea for World Peace” on Saturday, the President of the International Harvest School of Theology, Prof. Chinyere Ilochi, stressed that Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity, though rich, has often posed challenges to national unity.
She maintained that dialogue remains the most effective tool for addressing the country’s deep-seated conflicts, noting that peace cannot be achieved without mutual understanding.
“We must learn to understand ourselves and create opportunities for the youth. Job creation will help reduce insurgency and other social vices. Dialogue is the way forward for peace and harmony in Nigeria,” Ilochi said.
Dialogue as the Pathway to Security
Retired Gen. Paul Boro, chairman of the seminar, highlighted dialogue as the most effective conflict resolution strategy at both national and international levels.
“Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, or traditional believer, peace is the foundation of progress. Without peace, there can be no security or development,” he said, urging Nigerians to reject violence and embrace dialogue.
Religious Leaders’ Perspectives
ASP Muhammad Ndagi, Chief Imam of the Police Mobile Force 45 Squadron Base Central Mosque, emphasized that dialogue must move beyond rhetoric and be embraced as a practical commitment to peace, justice, and compassion.
He described diversity as a divine blessing, citing the Qur’an (49:13) to stress that humanity was created to recognize, cooperate, and compete in goodness, not hatred.
“Dialogue is not about erasing differences, but about building on what unites us while respecting our differences,” Ndagi said. He added that crises such as terrorism, political violence, and ethnic conflicts are often fueled by religious manipulation, making dialogue a necessary antidote.
From the Christian perspective, Prof. Sylvanus Ofili, represented by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuri of New Kingdom Trumpet Newspaper, asserted that true peace is a divine gift that only Jesus Christ provides. He quoted passages such as Isaiah 9:6 and John 14:27 to emphasize Christ’s role as the source of lasting peace.
Education as a Tool for Tolerance
On the academic front, Mr. Nnamdi Onyeanuna stressed that education is essential for deepening understanding of different cultures and traditions. According to him, this knowledge fosters inter-religious tolerance and breaks down prejudices that often fuel division.
Shared Vision of Peace
Across the various faith traditions represented at the seminar, the consensus was clear: dialogue fosters understanding, reduces suspicion, and builds resilience against extremism. Religious leaders urged Nigerians to prioritize dialogue over conflict, viewing it as both a divine command and a civic duty to ensure the country’s peace and progress.
