The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nasrul- Lahi-Fathi Society (NASFAT) and The Kukah Center on Tuesday brought stakeholders together to assess the state of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The project, a survey report on freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria was funded by King Abdullahi bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue ( KAICIID).
The collaborative effort according to the organisers will serve as a beacon for policymakers and stakeholders, and outline a mechanism for monitoring freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria.
In a welcome address, Kabiru Raji of NASFAT said the report highlighted the state of religion in Nigeria.
He said “we acknowledge the importance of freedom of religion and fundamental human rights where individuals can practice religion without fear.
“We hope the insight will promote mutual respect”.
Raji however urged stakeholders to work together to enhance freedom of religion for all.
Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) in a goodwill message said religion is a sensitive and sacred matter in the Country which should be handled with utmost respect and profound regard for the adherents.
According to Ojukwu represented by Director Human Rights Institute, Mrs Agarase Arase said the two major religions in Nigeria Islam and Christianity preach peace, togetherness and love for ones neighbours and fellow Citizen, saying “I do not think that it is different with the traditional worshippers”.
He added “I strongly believe that the success of this project will hugely impact on our protection mandate especially as it relates to the right to freedom of religion and belief, which is essential in achieving a more respectable and stable nation that will be an enviable model for other nations”.
Meanwhile, the Director General National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, in a keynote address, through Barrister Rhoda Sadus observed that the survey was designed to enhance peaceful coexistence in spite of Nigeria’s heterogeneous society.
He explained that religious intolerance has led to destruction of lives and properties, stressing “without peace no society can achieve development”.
He urged those who hide under religion to perpetuate violence to desist, “we should promote inclusivity and practice religion without fear” Isa-Onilu said.
Additionally, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Daniel Okoh, who was represented by Rev. Ini Okpuho noted that Nigeria’s diversity should be an advantage, adding that if God had wanted the country to be one religion, nobody can stop him.
“We are not in Nigeria by accident, we are in the same country because God decided to bring us together”.
Similarly, Ibrahim Habib of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), told the audience that the Islam of stand on plurality of religion is acknowledged in chapter 43 of the holy Quran.
NSCIA applauded the organisers, threw its weight behind freedom of religion and supported the survey report.
Highlights of the event was the public presentation of the report titled: Freedom of Religion and Belief in Nigeria: A SURVEY
