A National Workshop on Religion and National Security: The Role of Islam, Christianity and African Traditiinal Religion in Fostering Peace, National Security and International Understanding, held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the CBCIU re-engaged the role of the three major religions in Nigeria in fostering national and international peace and cooperation.

Chaired by eminent traditional ruler, the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi Odundun IV, panelists include HRM Oba Qamarudeen Adeyanju, The Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Professors Aderemi Ajala, Rotimi Omotoye, Rafiu Adebayo and R.O Raheemson, Oluomo Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, Dr. Gbenga Efuntade, Priestess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi, Chief Oyelola Elebuibon, and Fadilat Sheik Abdullahi Olohunlomerue.

Representatives and members from the Osun State Muslim Community, Christian Association of Nigeria and Traditional Religion Worshippers Association graced the workshop. The high point of the workshop centered on the need for all three religious adherents to live not only in peace and harmony but to ensure that tolerance and cooperation are emphasized in their daily lives towards the promotion of national and international development.

COMMUNIQUE

The workshop on fostering peace, security and understanding through religion was organized on 21st of April 2022 by Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo(CBCIU). The workshop had nine panelists and three other contributors drawn from academia and religious institutions who discussed different perspectives of religious promotion of peace, security and understanding within African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam perspectives. Moderated by His Royal Highness, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, the workshop was attended by no fewer than 300 people physically and another 150 people who attending virtually. Cultural displays through chanting of Oriki and drama sketches focusing religious integration and accomodation were staged as part of the entertainment during the workshop.

The panelists and contributors established that:

1. Religion in Latin means binding together of human relations. It is a human invention aimed at promoting solidarity among humans.

2. All religions have roles to play in fostering peace, security and understanding.

3. The state of insecurity is appalling and worrisome in Nigeria.

4. The years 2010 till 2022 are characterised by numerous forms of insecurity than what were witnessed in the previous years since Nigerian independence.

5. Contemporary insecurity featured banditry, ethnic conflicts, kidnapping, separatist movements crises, domestic violence, labour union crises, armed robbery, internet fraudster, political and ethnic conflicts and various forms of domestic violence among others.

6. All these forms of insecurity have caused economic crisis in the country, dented the international image of the country and make the state to be fragile.

7. Government's attempts at solving insecurity have failed because little attention is given to community approach which includes using family system, community and religion to foster peace, security and understanding.

8. Religion plays a fundamental position in maintaining security.

9. Since religion is for humanity, it is an institution, which should be maintained to foster peace and security.

10. Christianity preaches peace and security.

11. As suggested by Jesus Christ, anger and provocation should not attract violence.

12. The tenets of Christainity focusing on christhood should be engaged to address the current insecurity in Nigeria.

13. Christianity must continue to preach peace, equity, fairness and love beyond religious beliefs.

14. Christianity must not assault other religions.

15. Christianity must emphasize tolerance beyond gender, status and religious beliefs.

16. Yoruba demonstrates religious tolerance and accommodation, this virtue must be respected by Christians.

17.Islam is a religion of peace and several verses of holy Quran testify to how Islamic religion promotes peace.

18. Islam does not license killing of fellow human beings.

19. Quoran and Hadith being the bedrock of Islam teach human relations beyond space.

20. The Muslim's five daily prayers suggest accommodation and fellowship among humans across the beliefs, sex and colour.

21. Truth, justice, sincerity and equity preached in all religions must be upheld tenaciously.

22. Islam forbids tribalism, nepotism and favouritism, So government should not engage these practices as instruments of power relations.

23. Politics is a game of chance, where somebody will win and someone else will loose. Either winning or losing is not a certificate to heaven or hell. So politics must be conducted with humanity in mind.

24. All that are acquired on earth will be left behind and no one is buried with his or her wealth. Wealth acquisution must not be used to cause harm against fellow human beings.

25. Law is no respecter of anybody. So, law must be obeyed without reference to status.

26. Traditional religion is sacred, tolerant and accommodating.

27. Traditional religion does not preach religion but preaches humanity and making the world a better place to live in.

28. There is a need to have proper conceptualization of beliefs across all religions in such a way that positive knowledge of every religion is promoted.

29. The mythology of Yoruba pantheon suggests that no one should be left out in building a peaceful society.

30. Spirituality and religion should not be used to promote insecurity, rather common religious spirituality should be engaged to foster peace, security and understanding.

31. Throughout the ifa verses, the messages of peace, security, understanding and humanity are clearly stated.

32. Peace is an essential virtue of the Yoruba, which is clearly emphasized in traditional religion.

33. Ifa verses of Obara forbids greed and bad governance and encourages benevolence in human relationship. While benevolence can cause peace, bad governance and greed can cause insecurity.

34. Another ifa verse also preaches love and good health. Insecurity is caused by hatred and bad livelihood. So, if government promotes access to good quality of live, there will be security, peace and understanding.

35. Ifa verses also charge the leaders of people to employ their authorities to proffer peace, security and understanding. Kings and community leaders must ensure peace, security and understanding in their different communities by engaging traditional norms of peace building.

36. Traditional religion emphasises that leaders must be true leaders who have power to maintain peace and security in their domains.

37. Indigenous knowledge especially in language, philosophy and skills must be promoted in Nigerian schools to promote understanding.

38. All religions must ensure oneness of love, equity, justice, fairness and humanity to foster peace, security and understanding.

39. Every religion must translate religious ideologies to realities and practices of peace building and understanding.

40. Traditional cultural practices like norms, ethics, values and morals must be applied to foster peace, security and understanding.

41. Religious integration through interdenominational prayers and fellowship can work to foster peace, security and understanding in Nigeria.

42. Politicians should be warned against the use of thuggery and violence during elections. Legitimization of thugs in Nigerian politics must stop.

In conclusion, the participants and audience agreed that the workshop was timely and very necessary for Nigerian development. The workshop presentations addressed lots of security challenges in the country. Thus, it was recommended that ideas and opinions generated at the workshop must be translated to actions.