Participants at a Christian-Muslim dialogue in Yola have called for a broader understanding of Nigerian identity, stressing the need to place humanity, dignity and peaceful coexistence above religious and ethnic differences.
The dialogue, titled “When Religion Becomes Our Primary Identity: A Christian-Muslim Conversation on Religion, Identity and Belonging in Nigeria,” brought together religious leaders, academics, public affairs advocates and other stakeholders to examine the role of religion in shaping identity and relationships in Nigeria.
The session was hosted by Dr. Felix Joseph Samari, author of The Implicated, with contributions from Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalil, popularly known as the Digital Imam; Dr. Adamu Mallam Babukkoi, Dean of Student Affairs, Federal College of Education, Yola; and Hon. Kamsobi Daniel Puren, a public affairs advocate.
Speaking on “Identity Talk: Humanity Over Religion,” Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalil questioned the perception of religion as the primary identity of Nigerians.
He observed that in everyday situations, including transactions involving farmers, traders, transport workers and medical professionals, Nigerians often interact without first asking about the religious or ethnic background of the other person.
He challenged participants to reflect on why religious identity sometimes becomes a source of division when, in moments of crisis, people naturally come together to save and protect one another regardless of faith.
The cleric proposed three dimensions of identity universal, national and local arguing that humanity should come first, followed by citizenship and then ethnic or other affiliations.
According to him, the Nigerian identity represented by citizenship should remain an important bond among citizens, while religion should serve as a moral compass that promotes compassion, tolerance, service and kindness.
He identified equity and dignity as two important pillars for building bridges across Nigeria’s religious and ethnic divides, urging different faith communities to compete through service to humanity rather than influence or division.
On his part, Hon. Kamsobi Daniel Puren examined the impact of artificial intelligence and changing values, noting that technology has significantly altered the relationship between young people and traditional authorities.
He said the growing availability of information through digital platforms means that young people can now verify claims made by religious and community leaders, thereby challenging the traditional idea of unquestionable authority.
Puren also spoke about changing generational attitudes towards accountability, observing that younger Nigerians are increasingly willing to speak up and demand better services rather than quietly accepting poor treatment.
He, however, cautioned against the use of force or mechanical approaches in religious upbringing, warning that excessive compulsion without understanding could create resentment among young people.
He advocated a more loving and explanatory approach to religious education, particularly as young Nigerians are increasingly exposed to diverse ideas through technology.
Dr. Felix Joseph Samari, while addressing identity and religious programming, warned against the dangers of profiling people along religious and ethnic lines.
He referenced the Rwandan genocide as an example of how deep divisions and group profiling can have devastating consequences, stressing that Nigerians must confront the mindset that creates an “us versus them” mentality.
Samari argued that much of the division experienced in society is rooted in subconscious programming acquired from parents, communities and social institutions.
He noted that during emergencies, people instinctively help others regardless of their religion, ethnicity or background, suggesting that humanity remains the common identity beneath socially constructed divisions.
He called for greater efforts to challenge religious and ethnic profiling and promote a shared sense of brotherhood among Nigerians.
The dialogue also featured a participatory exercise on personal choice and identity, with participants challenged to reflect on issues such as whether individuals can choose their parents, and how such questions relate to the identities they inherit at birth.
The speakers collectively emphasized the need for Nigerians to look beyond religious and ethnic labels and strengthen the values that bind the country together.
The conversation ended with a call for continued engagement among religious leaders, young people, academics and community stakeholders to promote understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
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