The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has emphasised the urgent need for interfaith dialogue as a vital tool for promoting peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.
He made this statement during the 2025 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference, which was themed ‘The Love of the Good and the Love of the Neighbour,’ with the sub-theme ‘Peace for Our Time.’
The conference gathered religious leaders and advocates dedicated to promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse faiths.
Archbishop Okoh pointed out the unprecedented challenges confronting both Nigeria and the world, such as social inequalities, climate crises, and violent extremism. He articulated that the commitment to interfaith harmony is now more vital than ever, emphasising that the principles of love, compassion, and mutual respect are essential for healing divisions and building bridges within communities.
The Archbishop called for a collective effort to promote religious literacy, enabling citizens to recognise the shared values that unite them, rather than focusing on divisive issues. He further stressed the importance of dialogue in Nigeria, a nation known for its diversity, asserting that it is the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace.
Okoh urged participants to reject false teachings that incite enmity and to champion the rights of others, emphasising that safeguarding the rights of one group ultimately protects the rights of all.
He stated, “The message of love of the good and love of the neighbour is universal. It transcends all borders, religions, and cultures, resonating with every faith tradition in the world.
“At a time when our world faces unprecedented challenges—ranging from social inequalities to climate crises, from violent extremism to the erosion of trust between communities—our commitment to interfaith harmony is more critical than ever.
“To deepen our engagement with one another, we must continue to promote religious literacy among the citizenry, highlighting the common values that bind us together rather than those issues that divide us.”
He continued, “Therefore, we must do everything within our power to resist all false teachings that use religion to create enmity among our people in Nigeria.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria recognises the imperative of dialogue for peace and sustainable development, which is why the leaders of the Association collaborated with the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to establish the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC).
“NIREC must be celebrated as one of the greatest efforts to foster peace and harmony in Nigeria.
“Together, through the power of love, we can build a brighter and more united future for all.”
