Inter-faith dialogue and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria

The cultural and religious diversity of Nigeria as a nation has no doubt made peaceful co-existence which enhances the quality of life an unattainable grandiose most especially in the last two decades. The intricacy of diverse faiths, beliefs, traditions and languages coupled with religious fundamentalism and fanaticism has led to religious communalism, arson, looting, killing, rape and damage to properties. Since there can be no peace among the people without peace among religions, there can be no peace among religions without dialogue among religions. The thrust of this work therefore is to examine the place of interfaith dialogue in peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. Being an historical study, the work employs historical method in its analysis. The findings of this study however reveal that interfaith dialogue provides scope for the removal of misconceptions and misunderstandings, helps each religion to grow and develop mutually. Interfaith dialogue helps to develop pluralistic perspective by annihilating the exclusive claims of our religions, alleviates communal violence and brings peace. In view of the findings of this work, it is recommended that inter-faith dialogue should be encouraged and persistently allowed to thrive among different religions.