Public affairs commentator Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has called on Nigerians to uphold the nation’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and mutual respect, warning against individuals who attempt to sow discord in the name of faith.
Speaking during an appearance on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed reflected on Nigeria’s remarkable diversity, describing the country as a “multi-religious mosaic” where more than 240 million people of different beliefs have managed to coexist largely in peace.
He praised Nigerians for their ability to interact freely across religious boundaries, emphasizing that such unity should be celebrated rather than threatened.
The seasoned analyst pointed out that Nigerians continue to demonstrate an impressive level of maturity in their daily lives.
People of different faiths, he noted, often live side by side, share neighborhoods, attend one another’s ceremonies, and respect each other’s customs and beliefs.
This, he said, reflects a deep sense of understanding that has kept the nation together despite its complexities.
“A nation of 240 million people lives substantially in peace with the fact that we worship different gods,” Baba-Ahmed remarked. “We go to different places of worship, we interact. So why do we allow people to blow the whistle at everything that even remotely smacks of faith?”
Baba-Ahmed lamented that while the majority of Nigerians coexist peacefully, a small but vocal group often stirs up unnecessary tension by attacking or criticizing expressions of faith. Such actions, he warned, could inflame divisions and erode the fragile harmony that has been sustained through years of mutual respect.
He argued that no religion teaches hatred or intolerance, stressing that both Islam and Christianity promote compassion, peace, and the dignity of human life. “There’s nowhere in Christianity, to my knowledge and I’m sorry if I don’t have the full texts to prove it that encourages hostility toward others,” he added, urging citizens to seek understanding rather than conflict.
Baba-Ahmed further highlighted that religion, when properly understood, should be a unifying rather than divisive force.
He called on religious leaders, community influencers, and policymakers to foster dialogue and encourage teachings that promote empathy, patience, and cooperation among followers of all faiths.
He also noted that the misuse of religion for political or personal gain remains one of the biggest challenges to national unity.
According to him, Nigeria can only achieve true progress when its people learn to look beyond religious affiliations and focus on shared values such as justice, integrity, and service to humanity.
As conversations around faith and national identity continue to shape Nigeria’s public discourse, Baba-Ahmed’s message serves as a reminder that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but necessary for the nation’s stability.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to silence divisive voices and instead celebrate the country’s diversity as a source of strength. “We have lived together peacefully for decades,” he said. “Our diversity should unite us, not separate us.”
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