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By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
Faith and Freedom Africa extended its nationwide advocacy for peaceful coexistence to Minna, Niger State, on Saturday, December 4, 2025, where religious leaders, scholars, civil society actors, women groups, and community influencers gathered at Haske Luxury Hotel for a town hall meeting on the theme “Promoting Religious Freedom as a Human Right in Nigeria.” The session brought together representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Women in Politics, WORICAN, OAIC, academia, and human rights advocates—creating what participants described as a timely space for honest engagement and shared solutions.
The meeting began on an informal yet reflective note when a participant recalled a widespread perception: religious leaders often sit harmoniously at national events but return to their communities divided. Changing that narrative, organisers said, lies at the heart of Faith and Freedom Africa’s mandate. The organisation seeks to “bring hearts together,” strengthen coexistence, and dismantle entrenched stereotypes that impede mutual understanding across faiths.
Faith and Freedom Africa’s Country Representative, Mr. Felix Joseph Samari, led the conversation with a compelling reminder that understanding religious freedom must go beyond theory. He highlighted two responsibilities for contemporary society: creating a future where peaceful coexistence becomes a legacy, and strengthening public understanding of the constitutional and moral foundations of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
He restated that religious freedom is protected by Section 38 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. “These instruments guarantee every individual the right to adopt, practice, change, or manifest their religion without fear of persecution,” Samari emphasised. The real challenge, he said, lies not in the absence of laws but in the public’s limited understanding of these rights and how they apply in everyday life. “Freedom of religion does not protect any particular faith. It protects people. It is a human right, not a religious privilege.”
Participants acknowledged Niger State’s long-standing reputation as a hub of spiritual, cultural, and political influence. With vibrant Muslim and Christian communities, the state was described by organisers as a “power state”—a region whose history of coexistence positions it to shape national conversations on tolerance. Samari noted that Niger’s demographic realities make it a natural space for dialogue: “If we understand our differences and recognize each other’s uniqueness, we can take the best from every group.”
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A major highlight of the town hall was the presentation by renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, who offered deep reflections on genuine tolerance. He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity is not a burden but a divine design that becomes an asset only when mutual respect is embedded in the culture. According to him, tolerance is not about pretending differences do not exist but about acknowledging them with maturity, honesty, and fairness. He condemned stereotyping based on religious identity, describing it as a dangerous seed that often germinates into hatred and violence.
“Religion only becomes a source of conflict when people manipulate it for domination or self-interest,” Sheikh Lemu said. “True faith inspires goodness, not aggression. When people understand and practice justice, fairness, and the principle of ‘live and let live,’ they strengthen the moral foundations of society.”
The interactive session, moderated by Dr. Loungi, allowed participants to share practical experiences of coexistence. Many narrated real-life situations that reflected how peace thrives quietly in many neighbourhoods.
One participant recounted the story of a Christian mother who consulted a Muslim family friend when her son considered converting to Islam. Rather than taking advantage of the situation, the Muslim family encouraged patience, dialogue, and mutual respect—allowing the young man to make an informed decision free from coercion.
Another testimony came from the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN)—represented at the event by Aisha Lemu, Hauwa Kulu Abdullahi, and Aishat Suleiman—who narrated how the organisation helped two Christian children who had dropped out of school for financial reasons. FOMWAN ensured their return to school, asking nothing in return and making clear that humanitarian service transcends religious boundaries. Representatives from Women in Politics, including Dr. Hamzat Adebowale of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, also participated in the deliberations. Delegates from WORICAN, including Mrs. Anabueze Ismail Nwafor, Esther (Treasurer), and Mrs. Grace, as well as OAIC representatives Mrs. Elizabeth Oyerinde and Rachel Akangbe, contributed meaningful insights into community-level coexistence challenges and opportunities.
A powerful goodwill message came from human rights activist and Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Niger State, Dr. Nuhu Muhammad. He praised the organisers for creating an inclusive platform and emphasised that human rights and religion are not in conflict.
“As a human rights defender, I celebrate this space where people of different faiths come together in the spirit of peace, respect, and shared humanity,” he said. “Our various religions teach compassion, justice, and dignity—values at the heart of human rights. When we stand together across faith lines, we send a powerful message that unity is stronger than division. May this program inspire us to build communities where everyone is safe, respected, and valued. May peace be upon us all.”
In a segment on cultural and human diversity, Samari reminded participants that differences are part of human design, noting that even children from the same parents have unique identities. Recognising diversity, he said, allows societies to harness the strengths of all groups. He added that violations of religious freedom often stem from ignorance rather than malice and can occur not only between religions but also within the same religion across denominations or sects. This, he argued, reinforces the universality of FoRB and its importance for national development.
Unlike typical interfaith engagements that focus mainly on elites, Faith and Freedom Africa’s town hall deliberately centred everyday community voices—women, youth, neighbourhood leaders, and local influencers. “You are the ones who interact with people daily,” a facilitator said. “You see what happens in homes, markets, neighbourhoods, and schools. You are the real drivers of coexistence.”
At the close of the meeting, Rev. Emmanuel Gabriel read the communiqué for adoption and delivered the final remarks, commending participants for their sincerity and commitment to peace.
As the town hall meeting was moderated by Dr Longji Dambok concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to promoting religious freedom, strengthening community bonds, and ensuring that all Nigerians regardless of faith can live, worship, and thrive without fear. “If we fail to appreciate the uniqueness of others, we miss the benefits that diversity brings,” one speaker remarked. “But if we embrace our differences, Nigeria will be happier, stronger, and better for future generations.”
The Minna Town Hall ended with a shared pledge to continue spreading the message of peace and defending the dignity and rights of all citizens, inspiring hope that Nigeria can rise above its divisions and model coexistence for the world.
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