The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians to resist religious fanaticism and embrace tolerance as a necessary path towards national peace, unity, and development.
He made this known on Wednesday while addressing top public figures, stakeholders, and participants at the inaugural Taravest Summit in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Archbishop Kaigama emphasised the importance of religious harmony, stressing that no religion promotes violence.
“People should be educated to desist from religious fanaticism and embrace peace for sustainable development because no religion preaches violence,” he said.
Using football as a metaphor for national unity, the cleric highlighted that religion doesn’t stand as a barrier to the celebrations of wins.
“During football matches, Nigerians watch keenly and collectively. Each time a goal is scored, everyone shouts in excitement as one people belonging to one nation. Nobody says that the goal was scored by a Christian or a Muslim — we simply celebrate because Nigeria has scored.”
‘Tolerance Ingredient For Peace’
Speaking on the role of tolerance in society, Kaigama highlighted that peace and security can only be achieved when ethnic and religious harmony is prioritised.
“Tolerance is an inevitable ingredient for peace, which harmonises different religions and ethnic groups in a heterogeneous system. Religion should build its adherents, not destroy, dominate or alienate others — this offends God.”
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He described tolerance and mutual acceptance as the “pathway to peace, security and sustainable development among individuals from diverse ethnic and religious affiliations.”
Kaigama further urged that inter-religious dialogue must go beyond theory and be practically implemented. He also advocated for a more productive use of land and national resources.
“Inter-religious dialogue doesn’t have to be theoretical; it has to be concrete. For any nation to live in peace and ensure development, citizens must imbibe the spirit of tolerance, irrespective of religious or tribal affiliation,” he said.
“It is only the abuse of religion that engenders violence. Every religion should preach peace, love, and peaceful coexistence. Tolerance is the pivot for nation-building in every pluralistic society.
“For Nigeria to join the league of developed nations, the government must be forthright in its fight against religious or ethnic issues that retard our progress. All we need to do is appreciate God and stop unhealthy rivalry. Use the land to produce food rather than quarrel and fight over it — in the end, nobody gains.”
Touching on economic prospects, Archbishop Kaigama praised Taraba State’s strategic position, urging increased investment in the region.
“Taraba State’s strategic position and location should be very inviting to investors. As the state government continues to develop its infrastructure and human capital, we hope Taraba will stand as a promising destination for global investors seeking sustainable and profitable ventures.”
The Taravest Summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials – Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialisation (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development”, brought together prominent stakeholders to explore opportunities in the state.
Notable attendees included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and the Ooni of Ife.
