The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged Nigerians to embrace genuine interfaith dialogue for a sustainable peace, unity and development in the country.
Speaking at the graduation of the 280 2024 Fellows of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) yesterday in Abuja, the cleric lamented that the sacred realm of religion in the country has been influenced for selfish gains thereby tarnishing its true essence.
Onaiyekan, who stressed the need to reclaim religion from those who misuse and abuse it for personal gains, insisted that Nigerians must transform religion into a formidable force for good in their communities, nation and continent.
He noted that the Foundation’s mission is to champion peace and justice through the powerful conduit of interfaith collaboration, adding that the Fellows have been fully equipped to elevate, enhance and broaden their roles as peace makers and faith leaders in the country and beyond.
He added: “We need to tirelessly strive for peace and harmony across the land.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Rev. Sister Agatha Chikelue, stated that 2023 witnessed a surge in conflict across regions resulting in the internal displacement of many people and forcing people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
She observed that it has become increasingly evident that conventional approaches are insufficient in addressing the complexities of the contemporary world, stressing that the foundation since the past six years has been working towards the restoration of trust in the country.
She noted that the 280 Fellows from 16 countries in Africa, who are adherents from various sects, have been provided with skills aimed at mitigating extremist tendencies and have become emissaries of peace, having undergone comprehensive training in inter-religious dialogue, conflict management and mediation.
