The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) is a voluntary Association that was made up of fifty (50) Members, (25 Christians and 25 Muslims) formed by the representatives of the two principal Religions – that is Christianity and Islam in Nigeria, on the 11th day of September, 1999. This figure was however reviewed…
The power of inter-religious peacebuilding in Nigeria Fr. Justine Dyikuk tells the story of how the simple gesture of helping a neighbour in need has led to friendship between a local Muslim farmer and two missionary priests in the town of Miya, setting an example for inter-religious peacebuilding in Nigeria. By…
By Patrick Egwu The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) is working to defuse tensions between Christians and Muslims here, providing a forum since 1999 to enhance dialogue between the two groups. Through the past two decades, the interfaith group has responded to crises that have wracked the country. In February 2000, a…
By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 3 February, 2025) Each time we hear or read outsiders say they are fighting for Yoruba Muslims, some of us (Yoruba Muslims) laugh. Who told them that we cannot fight our war ourselves – if there is a war? A statement…
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said religion without tolerance is inhumanity saying that tolerance should be a hallmark of religious understanding. In a release signed by Ministry’s Director Press & Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, the Minister stated this while hosting the National Executive of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fathi Society of Nigeria…
By Robin McDonough The existence of religious violence is unjustifiable. Recognizing the need to address and mitigate its occurrence, the commemoration of the International Day of Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was held on August 22, 2024. Over 50 diverse participants attended the event organized by the UN…
By Musliudeen Adebayo The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has enjoined the leadership of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) to continue to preach religious harmony among the people of the South West region. The monarch gave this advice when the leadership of the organisation paid him a…
By Musliudeen Adebayo The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakunlehin, has implored the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, to continue to play the positive roles he has been playing in the promotion of religious tolerance in the country. Olakulehin gave this advice on Sunday when the Sultan paid…
By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City The need for religious tolerance in Nigeria took the centre stage at the weekend in Benin-City, capital of Edo State, at a grassroots sensitisation programme on survey report on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FORB) in Nigeria. The programme themed: “Mechanism to Monitor Freedom of Religion…
By Kate Hairsine March 12, 2024 Muslims and Christians in much of sub-Saharan Africa have a long history of religious tolerance. Sierra Leone in particular stands out as a positive example. Some 77% of people in Sierra Leone identify as Muslim and 22% as Christian. The two religions have a history…