The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called on Christians and Muslims to work together to protect human life, promote justice and address the challenges confronting Nigerians.
Archbishop Okoh made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, held under the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
He said the wellbeing of Nigerians was interconnected, stressing that the suffering of any citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, should be a concern to everyone.
According to him, Christians and Muslims must move beyond merely tolerating one another and embrace practical cooperation aimed at promoting the common good.
He explained that shared sacred flourishing did not require either Christians or Muslims to abandon their distinct religious beliefs, but rather to allow the values derived from their faith to contribute positively to national development.
He said, “Our wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of our neighbour. We flourish when the dignity of others is protected, when the vulnerable are cared for, when justice is upheld.”
The CAN president noted that Nigeria’s progress should not be measured only by economic growth and infrastructure, but also by the security of its citizens, respect for human dignity and opportunities available to young people.
He stressed the importance of Christians and Muslims recognising the sacredness of human life, regardless of religious differences.
“The suffering of a Christian should concern a Muslim, just as the suffering of a Muslim should concern a Christian. When any Nigerian is killed, displaced, kidnapped or deprived of dignity, our common humanity demands that we care,” he said.
Archbishop Okoh, who quoted Jeremiah 29:7, urged religious communities to continue seeking the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
He said the challenges of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and communal tensions could not be addressed by one religious group alone, but required shared responsibility and cooperation.
The CAN president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to constructive engagement with NIREC and the Muslim community in building a country where religious diversity could contribute to national strength rather than division.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Cornelius Omonokhua, said the council had remained active for 27 years through the commitment of political and religious leaders.
Omonokhua expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for sustaining government support for NIREC since its establishment in 1999.
He condemned the use of religion for selfish interests, warning that individuals who profit from religious conflicts could push the country into a full-scale religious crisis.
Omonokhua, who presided over his final NIREC meeting following the expiration of his tenure as executive secretary, said the council had resolved to condemn statements and actions capable of undermining peace and human dignity.
He also reaffirmed NIREC’s non-partisan position and commended the EFCC Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee for producing the second edition of its Anti-Corruption Preaching and Teaching Manual.
According to him, the manual is intended to help tackle corruption within religious institutions.
Omonokhua described religious corruption as a serious concern and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to go beyond producing the manual by taking action against religious leaders who preach hate or allow churches and mosques to be used for political campaigns.
He prayed that his successor would have the courage, humility and patience required to sustain NIREC as a platform for preventing and transforming conflicts across the country.
NAN
