All religions advocate for true love and tolerance, without genuine love, there can be no peace
Obasanjo, Sultan, CAN, Others Advocate for Religious Tolerance to Foster National Unity
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Interfaith Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, have called on Nigerians to utilize various religions as means of promoting tolerance and unity among citizens.
They made these remarks in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, during a conference and awards ceremony for World Interfaith Harmony Week, an event organized to encourage peace and understanding among diverse faith communities in Nigeria.
The event, which was organized by Honour 103.5 FM and Pan-af Publishers in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), was themed “The Love of the Good and The Love of the Neighbors,” with a sub-theme of “Peace for Our Time.”
The speakers emphasized the need for Nigerians to coexist peacefully and in harmony to enable the country to unite and progress. Among the dignitaries present were Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel and former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
Obasanjo stressed that all religions advocate for true love and tolerance, asserting that without genuine love, there can be no peace. He highlighted that the responsibility of ensuring peace in the nation is a collective one that should not rest solely on a few individuals.
The Sultan of Sokoto also emphasized that if Nigerians could unite despite their differences, the country would be better for it, allowing everyone to enjoy peace and harmony. He pointed out that many of the nation’s challenges stem from a lack of understanding, particularly regarding religious and ethnic matters.
Obasanjo described the gathering as a vital call to Nigerians to demonstrate tolerance, love one another, and support fellow citizens. He encouraged everyone to abandon religious contradictions in favor of peace and love, reminding them that these virtues are central to all religions. He urged Nigerians to maintain hope for a brighter future and a Nigeria characterized by peace.
In his keynote address, Dogara stated that Nigerians owe it to themselves and future generations to strive for peace. Read More
