The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja reiterated its commitment to inter-religious harmony for peace and development in the country.
Vice President Namadi Sambo said this when he received the Prefect, Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue (PCID),? His Eminence, Jean Louis Card Tauran, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the government supports every synergy among religious organisations as this will enhance peaceful co-existence of the diverse groups in the country.
He assured the Pontifical Prefect of the government’s support, saying: “I want to assure you that we will give you all the support you need in the achievement of all your noble objectives in ensuring that there is peace and harmony in Nigeria and the world in general.”
Earlier, Tauran said that the purpose of his visit to Nigeria and some African countries was to learn, understand and encourage religious harmony on the African continent.
He said that as President of Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, he took part in the meeting organised by the Bishops in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries to see how believers could contribute to justice and peace.
“My coming to Nigeria also gives me a better understanding of the concept and the making of traditional religion,” he said.
“A big country like Nigeria, where there are many languages, cultures, it is important that believers be messengers of comprehension of peace because we are all children of God.”
Those in the entourage include the Most Rev. Augustine Kadujja, Apostolic Muncio of Nigeria; Msgr. Denis Chidi Isizoh, Secretary (PCID); Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Catholic Bishop of Abuja.
Others are Bishop George Dodo, Catholic Bishop of Zaria; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and Episcopal Chairman of Inter-religious Dialogue, among others.
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