Akwa Ibom Institutes Inter-religious Council For Peace, National Integration

Religious and cultural harmony have been identified as essential ingredients for national integration, peace, unity and development as the country tries to reinvent herself along the path of socio-economic recovery.

This was the major thrust of a one day Inter-faith dialogue conference by leaders and stakeholders of different faith-based organisations held at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State.

Participants who were drawn from the Christian, Moslem, Jewish, Bahai and traditional religous communities in the State resolved to forge a common understanding on how to foster peace, unity and development of the country irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman of Ini local government area of the State, who doubles as co – Chairman of the forum, Hon. Inibehe Umah, underscored the importance of religous tolerance as the basis for peace and development.

Umah noted that Governor Umo Eno, as an apostle of peace has so far promoted peaceful co-existence and religious integration amongst different religions including visitors and other nationals doing businesses in the State.

“Religious tolerance is so deep – rooted in Akwa Ibom; we tolerate ourselves and other people’s biases, that’s why the State is known for peace, harmony and hospitable,” Umah noted.

The keynote speaker, Professor Andrew Boyd, senior programme officer, KAICIID, Lisbon, Portugal, stressed the need for religous tolerance and affinity towards addressing societal scourges for the benefit of humanity and the society.

In the same vein, other speakers including the convener of the dialogue, Dr. Effiong Udo, explained that the inauguration of AKIREC was aimed at “promoting Inter-faith education, address misconceptions, provide early warning mechanisms and mediate in emerging tensions or conflict together.”

“The Council will serve as a collective moral voice that upholds justice and human dignity,” he stressed.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, who was represented the Director, Centre For Deep Dialogue and Critical Thinking, Prof. Donatus Ukong, commended the initiative and enjoined participants to ensure effective delivery of the term of reference for the greater good of the society and humanity.

However, the Chairman of the 10 – member Council, Rev. Isang Eyoumoh, pledged total commitment to the project and called for supports.