Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of Nigerians Interfaith Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, have urged Nigerians to use the various religions as vehicles of tolerance and unity among citizens.

They spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the World Interfaith Harmony Week conference and award, an event organised to foster peace and understanding among diverse faith communities in the country.

The event, which was organised by Honour 103.5 FM and Pan-af Publishers in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), had the theme: The Love of the Good and The Love of the Neighbors, and a sub-theme: Peace for Our Time.

The speakers noted that Nigerians need to be at peace with themselves and one another and live in harmony for the country to unite and make progress.

Other dignitaries at the event included Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Obasanjo said all religions preach true love and tolerance, adding that there would be no peace without true love.

The former President said it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that the nation enjoys peace.

He noted that since peace and progress go together, it should not be left as the responsibility of a few citizens but the collective duty for all.

The Sultan of Sokoto said if Nigerians could unite, despite their differences, they would have a better country where everyone would have peace and harmony.

He noted that most of the problems the nation is facing are related to a lack of understanding, particularly about religious matters and ethnicity.

Obasanjo described the gathering as a clarion call to Nigerians to show tolerance, love each other, and stand with fellow citizens.

He urged all Nigerians to jettison religious contradiction and embrace peace and love.

The former President said all religions preach these virtues, adding that Nigerians must continue to hope for a brighter future and a Nigeria where peace reigns supreme.

In his keynote address, Dogara said Nigerians owe it to themselves and their children’s posterity to strive for peace.

Credit: thenationonlineng.net