CSO advocates religious freedom for all faiths in Nigeria

Civi Society Group, Faith and Freedom Africa,FFA, has raised the need for respect and protection of every citizen’s right to freedom of religion in Nigeria.

Speaking during the weekend at a one-day colloquium in, Jalingo, Taraba State, FFA Country Coordinator, Felix Samari stressed the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith.

The event, themed Freedom of Religious Beliefs, FoRB, brought together religious leaders, activists, and community members to discuss tolerance and inclusion.

Citing Section 38 of the Nigeria Constitution, Samari explained that the FFA Town Hall Meeting is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, and constitutional awareness across Nigerian communities.

“With Freedom of Religion or Belief advocacy, we are not only speaking for Christians and Muslims but also for practitioners of African traditional religions and even atheists,” he said.

Also speaking, Daniel Saredau of Taraba State University criticized the government’s practice of funding only Christian and Muslim pilgrim boards, calling it “discriminatory and unhealthy for national unity.”

He highlighted that Section 38 guarantees every person the right to freedom of conscience, belief, and worship, while Section 42 forbids discrimination on the basis of religion.

Participants emphasized the need for government recognition and support of all faiths, including African Traditional Religion, ATR.