The FFA Nigeria Contractor, Mr Felix Samari addressing the Participants at the Town Hall Meeting
Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) has renewed calls for the protection of Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of religion, citing Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
At a one-day colloquium held Wednesday at Batoha Hotel, Makurdi, FFA Country Coordinator Felix Samari faulted government’s recognition of only Christianity and Islam, stressing that adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) and atheists are often treated as “second-class citizens.”
“With Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) advocacy, we speak for everyone — Christians, Muslims, ATR practitioners and even atheists,” Samari said. “Every citizen deserves the freedom to worship or not, without discrimination.”
Participants echoed the call for inclusion. Mr. Terna Sam-Kange, an atheist, urged for a Nigeria “where belief or non-belief does not determine access to opportunities,” while Ms. Doosuur Sue, an ATR adherent, decried exclusion from government recognition and benefits.
FoRB trainer Dr. Longji Dambok criticized public funding of only Christian and Muslim pilgrim boards, describing it as “discriminatory and unhealthy for national unity.” He urged enlightenment campaigns to foster respect in Nigeria’s diverse society.
The Makurdi Town Hall forms part of FFA’s nationwide efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and equal recognition of all religious beliefs.