In an emotionally charged address that stirred both hearts and conscience, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, called on Nigerians to resist the rise of religious fanaticism and embrace tolerance as a critical step toward peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the inaugural Taravest Investment Summit in Taraba’s capital, Jalingo, Kaigama didn’t mince words. He made a passionate plea for Nigerians to stop weaponizing religion and instead recognize their shared humanity.
“People should be educated to desist from religious fanaticism and embrace peace for sustainable development. No religion preaches violence,” the Archbishop declared to a hall filled with public officials, faith leaders, and business stakeholders.
When Nigeria Scores, We All Cheer – Together
With the sharp eye of a preacher and the warmth of a patriot, Kaigama used a metaphor that hit home: football.
“During football matches, Nigerians celebrate together — nobody cares whether the goal scorer is Muslim or Christian. Why can’t we live like that every day?” he asked, drawing applause and reflection from attendees.
His message was clear: unity must transcend religious and ethnic lines, especially in a country as diverse — and often divided — as Nigeria.
Tolerance: Nigeria’s Missing Ingredient
“Tolerance is an inevitable ingredient for peace,” Kaigama said. “Religion should build its adherents, not destroy or dominate others. God is not glorified by intolerance.”
He criticized the theoretical nature of most inter-religious efforts, urging instead practical, ground-level engagement and coexistence.
“Inter-religious dialogue must be more than a talking point — it must be lived, practiced, and seen in how we treat one another,” he urged.
Kaigama didn’t stop at religious tensions. He also touched on land disputes and tribal rivalries, describing them as “counterproductive and spiritually offensive.”
“Use the land to grow food, not grudges. In the end, nobody wins when blood is spilled over soil,” he warned.
Economic Message Wrapped in a Moral Call
Archbishop Kaigama pivoted toward Taraba State’s rich economic potential, encouraging investors not to overlook the region.
“Taraba’s strategic location and vast arable land should make it a magnet for global investment. With proper infrastructure and human development, the state can stand tall among Nigeria’s economic powerhouses,” he said.
A Summit of Significance
The Taravest Summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials – Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialisation (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development”, drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries — from Vice President Kashim Shettima to former VP Atiku Abubakar, Tony Elumelu, and even the Ooni of Ife.
But it was Kaigama’s spiritual and moral call that anchored the event in something deeper than investment: national healing.
Final Word: Faith Must Unite, Not Divide
Archbishop Kaigama didn’t just deliver a speech. He held up a mirror to the soul of the nation. His challenge? For Nigerians to rise above religious fault lines, to build — not break — and to choose tolerance over tribalism.
📌 Peace isn’t theoretical — it’s practical. It starts with you, and it starts now.
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