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A cross-section of religious leaders, scholars, media professionals, civil society actors, and community representatives gathered in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, for a landmark stakeholders’ meeting organized by Faith and Freedom Africa to address rising concerns over religious intolerance, extremism, and the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.

Held at the Candlelux Hotel, Durumi, the meeting provided a platform for robust conversations on promoting peaceful coexistence, justice, and mutual respect among Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations. Resource persons from diverse sectors examined practical strategies to advance FoRB and counter the political manipulation of religion, which many agreed has fueled divisions across the country.

Speaking virtually, Sheikh Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training at the Islamic Education Trust, highlighted the need for justice and tolerance in religious practice. He warned against the use of faith as a tool for division and called on Nigerians to embrace diversity. “True religion is justice, and God always stands with the victim,” he said, urging leaders to discourage extremism and reject imposing personal biases on divine will.

From the Christian perspective, Prof. Gloria Puldu of the University of Jos shared personal experiences of discrimination and stressed that Christianity does not support coercion of faith. Citing biblical principles, she urged Nigerians to “tolerate one another and allow all religions to freely practice their beliefs,” while calling on government authorities to punish violations of religious rights.

The meeting also underscored the critical role of the media and education in shaping public attitudes and fostering inclusivity. Stakeholders encouraged journalists to promote balanced reporting and positive interfaith narratives while recommending the integration of FoRB principles into school curricula to instill empathy and respect among young Nigerians.

Assoc. Prof. Daud Abubakar, Director of the Daud Research Institute, emphasized Nigeria’s constitutional status as a secular state, warning against elevating one religion above another. He advocated strict monitoring of religious sermons to curb hate speech and political exploitation of faith, citing lessons from Sudan.

Other speakers, including Rev. Ozumbe Emmanuel Nicodamus of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Benjamin Jonathan Fuluta of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, and Mrs. Agozie Ebere of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), echoed calls for mutual respect, proper regulation of religious leadership, and value-driven parenting to tackle intolerance from the grassroots.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the FoRB Micro-Course, an online training initiative unveiled by Mr. Felix Samari, Country Contractor for Faith and Freedom Africa. The program aims to build a network of informed FoRB ambassadors capable of driving interfaith dialogue and advocacy across Nigeria.

The meeting ended on a note of optimism, with participants pledging to promote justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. A group photograph was taken to mark the conclusion of the event, symbolizing unity and the collective commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every Nigerian can freely practice their faith without fear or prejudice.