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By Emmanuel Kwada
In a stirring keynote address at the Annual International Kingdom Conference organized by Supernatural Love Ministries (The Praise Church) in Yola, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, emphasized the pivotal role of the Church in advocating for religious freedom and nation-building.
The conference, which runs from November 6 to 10, 2024, gathered a diverse group of stakeholders committed to advancing the rights of believers in Nigeria.
Religious freedom encompasses a wide range of beliefs, including atheism, agnosticism, and various faiths, such as Christianity and Islam
Dogara expressed his gratitude to the organizers and attendees for their commitment to this crucial discourse, highlighting that religious freedom encompasses a wide range of beliefs, including atheism, agnosticism, and various faiths, such as Christianity and Islam. He urged for a collective dialogue on these issues, particularly in light of Nigeria’s historical context of religious tensions and conflicts.
In his address, Dogara referenced Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. However, he noted that while these rights exist, they are not absolute and can be curtailed under certain circumstances, reminding the audience of the need for vigilance in protecting these freedoms.
The world is experiencing an escalating global crisis of religious freedom
“The world is experiencing an escalating global crisis of religious freedom,” Dogara warned, noting that alongside Nigeria, countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia have faced criticism for severe violations. He urged those present to engage in rational discussions about their shared religious freedom, stating that “democracy itself needs defending,” particularly as global democratic norms face significant challenges.
Discussing the concept of nation-building, Dogara described it as developing a cohesive national identity that unites diverse groups. He emphasized that the positive exercise of religious freedom is vital in fostering integration and solidarity among Nigerians, despite historical conflicts driven by religious differences.
Drawing on biblical themes, he called on religious leaders to embrace their role as spiritual ambassadors for healing and unity. Dogara emphasized prayer as the first step in addressing the nation’s challenges, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14, which encourages humility, prayer, and seeking divine intervention.
Prayer as the first step in addressing the nation’s challenges, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14, which encourages humility, prayer, and seeking divine intervention
Crucially, Dogara spotlighted the Church’s responsibility not just to pray but also to forge political alliances that transcend ethnic and religious divides. He asserted that lasting change requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Muslims and individuals from other faith traditions or even those who identify as non-religious.
“Building lasting networks will require more than resources; it will require knowledge, expertise, patience, and perseverance,” Dogara said. He underscored the need for inclusivity in these alliances, stating that the Church must “stand with the oppressed regardless of what faith they profess.”
Building lasting networks will require more than resources; it will require knowledge, expertise, patience, and perseverance
Citing historical examples of resilience against adversity in the face of oppression, he reminded attendees of their spiritual mandate to not only defend their faith but to actively contribute to a more peaceful and unified society. “If we take our eyes off the mountains that are in our way and focus on our God with whom nothing is impossible, we can become catalysts for change,” he declared.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at fostering religious cooperation and protection of freedoms, igniting hope for a more integrated future in Nigeria.
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