Archbishop Kaigama urges Nigerians to resist religious fanaticism

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians to resist religious fanaticism and embrace tolerance as a necessary path towards national peace, unity, and development.

He made this known on Wednesday while addressing top public figures, stakeholders, and participants at the inaugural Taravest Summit in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Archbishop Kaigama emphasised the importance of religious harmony, stressing that no religion promotes violence.

“People should be educated to desist from religious fanaticism and embrace peace for sustainable development because no religion preaches violence,” he said.

Using football as a metaphor for national unity, the cleric highlighted that religion doesn’t stand as a barrier to the celebrations of wins.

Speaking on the role of tolerance in society, Kaigama highlighted that peace and security can only be achieved when ethnic and religious harmony is prioritised.

“Tolerance is an inevitable ingredient for peace, which harmonises different religions and ethnic groups in a heterogeneous system. Religion should build its adherents, not destroy, dominate or alienate others — this offends God.”