Religious Unity Essential to Building a Stronger Society, Experts Say

By Benson Daniel

Religious leaders and social commentators have called on Muslims and Christians to reject division and embrace unity, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential to national development and social stability.

They argued that while religious beliefs may differ, the shared values of compassion, justice, honesty and respect for human dignity provide a strong foundation for building harmonious communities.

According to the speakers, faith should serve as a force for reconciliation rather than conflict. They warned that religious intolerance, hate speech and misinformation continue to fuel unnecessary tensions in many communities, undermining efforts to foster peace and national cohesion.

The leaders urged adherents of both Islam and Christianity to focus on the teachings of their respective faiths that promote love, forgiveness and mutual understanding. They noted that both religions encourage believers to care for their neighbours, uphold justice and contribute positively to society regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

They also emphasised the need for interfaith dialogue, describing it as an effective tool for addressing misconceptions, building trust and preventing conflicts. Community-based initiatives that bring together people of different religious backgrounds, they said, have continued to demonstrate that cooperation is possible despite differences in belief.

The experts further called on political leaders, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to avoid exploiting religious sentiments for personal or political gain. Instead, they urged stakeholders to promote policies and programmes that encourage inclusiveness, equal opportunities and respect for diversity.

Parents and educators were equally encouraged to instil values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in younger generations, ensuring that children grow up appreciating diversity rather than viewing it as a source of division.

They maintained that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens place their common humanity above religious differences. By working together across faiths, they said, Nigerians can build a more united, secure and prosperous nation for future generations.