The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to abandon religious fanaticism and embrace tolerance as a crucial pathway to achieving national peace, unity, and development.

Speaking on Wednesday at the inaugural Taravest Summit in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, Archbishop Kaigama addressed top public figures and stakeholders on the importance of religious harmony in Nigeria's diverse society.

"People should be educated to desist from religious fanaticism and embrace peace for sustainable development because no religion preaches violence," the Archbishop emphasized during his address.

Using football as a powerful metaphor for national unity, Kaigama highlighted how sports transcend religious differences in Nigeria. "During football matches, Nigerians watch keenly and collectively. Each time a goal is scored, everyone shouts in excitement as one person belonging to one nation. Nobody says that the goal was scored by a Christian or a Muslim — we simply celebrate because Nigeria has scored," he stated.

The Archbishop further stressed that peace and security can only be achieved when ethnic and religious harmony is prioritized. He described tolerance and mutual acceptance as essential elements for sustainable development among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Kaigama called for inter-religious dialogue to move beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation in communities across the nation. He also advocated for more productive use of land and national resources to foster development and reduce tensions.

The Taravest Summit, being held for the first time in Taraba State, brought together religious leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to discuss pathways to national cohesion and development.