Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, GTI Champion Religious Freedom Summit at National Christian Center in Abuja

ZAINAB JUNAID

Guard Time Information (Human Rights Activists Nationwide) in collaboration with Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, a leading voice in the promotion of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) organised a Two-Day religious summit at the National Christian Center, Abuja.

Themed “Defending Religious Freedom as a Gospel Imperative” the summit brought together Christian leaders, legal experts, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the country.

Held at the Royal Choice Inn Conference Center, Jubilee House, the event spotlighted the urgent need to protect Christian rights in Nigeria and called for a unified national agenda to defend religious freedom.

In their speeches, Mr. Felix Samari, Country Contractor for Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, and Pastor Dele Adebayo from African Services, focused on Religious Freedom in Nigeria.

Similarly, Mr. Bibi Oduku highlighted the constitutional limitations that led to Christians ill-treatment, as they were regarded as secondary citizens in certain contexts.

“Christian leaders and believers must speak the truth about what is happening in the society and advocate for laws to be enforced as they are meant to be,” he stated.

Barrister Bob James, Head of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, urged all states and communities to establish Religious Human Rights Committees to safeguard the rights of Christian citizens in Nigeria.

On his part, Hon. Wafari Theman, former legislator and governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, echoed the call for deeper human capital development and legal literacy among Nigerians of all faiths.

Traditional rulers and bishops present at the summit voiced concerns over the increasing attacks on Christians and the unfair treatment faced by Christian leaders who defend their communities.

They called for strategic action and policy reform to ensure religious equity and protection.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included representatives of His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang Esq, Governor of Plateau State; Chief Barr. Leonard Dan Nzadon, member of the NBA National Executive Council; Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua; Rev. Prof. James Reynolds, Provost of the Theological College of Northern Nigeria; Archbishop Joe Jatau Yari, among others.

Mr Bibi Oduku concluded stressing GTI and Faith & Freedom Africa Nigeria, remain committed to advancing human rights education and advocacy across Nigeria.

“We continue to stand at the forefront of efforts to promote peace, justice, and religious freedom for all and encourages all citizens to be in one accord to maintain peace and law abiding citizens of our great country Nigeria,” he emphasised.