…As Imo State Hosts First Triannual Meeting Of NIREC
Trust has been identified as the bedrock of any cohesive society and an invisible trait that binds our hearts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines.
In the same vein, love is believed to be the chord that binds all human beings together regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Hope Uzodimma shared the same opinion during the first Triannual Meeting of Nigerian Inter-Religious Council Meeting held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday April 30, 2025.
Senator Akume noted that the theme of the meeting – BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST and NATIONAL UNITY – could not be more apt, timely, relevant or compelling than at the present time and situation we find ourselves in Nigeria.
He pointed out that without trust, even the most noble intentions may be misconstrued and distorted, but maintained that with trust, we can overcome our deepest differences, resolve the most complex conflicts and chart a shared path towards national consensus and greatness.
The SGF stressed that the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council is a forum that brings leaders of the two major religions in the country together, has a pivotal role to play by occupying a very unique position to speak to their respective congregation and influence peaceful co-existence, as well as well command moral values.
He however commended the leadership and members of NIREC for consistently rising to the occasion as a beacon of hope and moral compass and a bridge between faith in our diverse nation.
He thanked the Imo State Governor for playing host to the meeting and for the warm and peace ambience in the State.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked NIREC for choosing Imo State to host the Conference and commended the Council for keeping faith in their mission to strengthen religious understanding and promoting unity in the Country.
He urged the religious leaders to “remain resolute in leading the way to a united Nigeria, where peace, love, and mutual trust are the bedrock of national pride.”
Governor Uzodimma commended the Co-Chairmen of NIREC, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar and the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman Arch-Bishop Daniel Okoh for their leadership commitment to this important course of having a untied, strong and prosperous Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation that the Council’s efforts since its establishment have continued to yield positive results in curtailing the incidence of religious conflicts and disagreements, and advised that religion must not be twisted into a weapon of division in our society.
Governor Uzodimma who regretted that “we often waste energy in arguments that do not add value to our national growth and development,” challenged all to embrace love for one another to see possibilities in every individual rather than remain entrapped in stereotypes and suspicions.
He called on religious leaders to use their influence to encourage love, respect, tolerance and understanding among the people of diverse faiths, as well as preach against crime, killings, terrorism and insurgency.
The Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua said the Inter-religious Council has a firm belief that the narrative of religious and ethnic based conflicts can be changed hence the theme of the first meeting.
He regretted that religious and ethnic varieties that ought to add beauty to our corporate existence has been weaponised to make us see one another as rivals, and called on our leaders to uphold the truth and fear of God for the children with a curriculum that does not destroy the authentic teaching of religion and history in the schools.
The Co-Chairmen of the Council, Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence Daniel Oko, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for genuine commitment of all towards peace building and national development.
They charged all to be weary of profiling people based on ethnicity and religion, but challenged everyone to come together and work towards loving one another and always praying for good leadership.
Goodwill messages in support of the peace project were given by the Abia State Governor, represented by his Commissioner for Local Government, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev (Dr) Lucius Ugorji, the Imo State Chapter of CAN, Rev Divine Eches Divine, the Chief Imam of Muslims in Imo State, Alhaji, Suleiman Njoku, and the Co-Chairmen of the Youth wing of NIREC.
The former Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and Alhaji Alatare Sulyman Musa presented papers at the event.
Apart from ranking religious leaders, the event attracted so many other dignitaries including the Etsu Nupe, the deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and key monarchs from Imo State.
The highpoint of the occasion was the inauguration of members of the NIREC team from the five states in the South East.
