By Abdulrahman Obaje

The Chairman, Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA, Federal Capital Territory and Surrounding Towns, FCT & S, Alhaji Ahmed
Usman has felicitates with the Igala Muslim community in the FCT & S, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole on the occasion of Ide-l-fitri Celebration. js">

The message which is contained in a press release by the Director Media of ICDA, FCT & S, Prince Abdulrahman Obaje in Abuja further said, Ramadan is a time of sober reflection, spiritual rejuvenation and social cohesion.

Usman also said the month of Ramadan is a very significant month for the Muslim ummah all over the world as it afford the Muslims the opportunity to be closer to their creator, and sober reflection on life.

He said, “I congratulate the entire Muslim ummah on the occasion of Idl fitri celebration, especially the Igala community of FCT & S, Kogi state and Nigeria as a whole”

“May the significance of the holy month of Ramadan continue to abide by you, your loved ones and your entire households”

“I implore you to continue to live a fulfilling life according to the teachings of the holy prophet Muhammed”.

“I also call on the general populace to continue to live in peace and cohesion for a better society”, the statement further revealed.

Ide-l fitri is an Islamic festival celebrated to mark the end of 29 days or 30 days fasting.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.

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By Felix Samari, Abuja

In recent years, the issue of religious freedom in Nigeria has gained international attention, often prompting foreign governments—especially the United States—to evaluate the country’s status regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">

However, much of this assessment is based on narratives provided by religious leaders, many of whom present their respective faith communities as victims of systemic persecution. While religious intolerance and discrimination undeniably exist in Nigeria, the reality is far more complex than these singular portrayals suggest.

Religious freedom violations in Nigeria occur in various forms, some deliberate and others unintentional. Often, individuals or institutions engage in discrimination without recognizing it as a violation of fundamental rights.

For instance, a highly qualified teacher may be denied employment at a school because their faith differs from that of the institution’s majority. Such a decision may stem from an ingrained fear that an outsider’s beliefs could influence students, even when the candidate’s professional competence is unquestionable.

Beyond such workplace discrimination, there is a broader climate of religious unwelcomeness that permeates various aspects of Nigerian society. Religious minorities frequently find themselves excluded from key social and economic opportunities. However, these realities are rarely the focus of discussions led by Christian and Muslim religious leaders, who dominate the FoRB discourse both locally and internationally.

It is often claimed that Nigeria is on the brink of religious domination—either by Islamization or Christian evangelization. Such claims, however, fail to acknowledge the competitive nature of religious influence in the country. Both Islam and Christianity wield significant power and enjoy government-backed privileges, including state-funded pilgrimages, the allocation of land for places of worship, and religious programs on public media.

While Christians express concerns about a supposed agenda to “Islamize” Nigeria, Christian evangelism aggressively extends to every corner of the country. Churches, billboards, and loudspeakers amplify Christian messages in predominantly Muslim areas, just as Islamic preachers do the same in Christian-majority zones. Meanwhile, smaller religious groups—such as traditional worshippers or atheists—struggle for recognition and protection under the same legal and social frameworks.

One of the most glaring issues with how the international community addresses religious freedom in Nigeria is its reliance on the perspectives of religious elites. Western policymakers often engage with well-established church leaders or Islamic clerics who frame their communities as perpetual victims. This narrow approach overlooks the diverse experiences of everyday Nigerians who face religious discrimination without the backing of powerful institutions.

Consider the recent case in Sokoto State, where gunmen abducted worshippers from a mosque. Had this been a church, international media would have reacted with much greater urgency. This discrepancy highlights the selective attention given to certain religious groups while ignoring the broader security and humanitarian crises affecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith.

Religious conversion is a right. People are free to become Christians, Muslims, or follow any other belief system. However, the failure of religious leaders in Nigeria goes beyond conversion battles. Instead of using their influence to promote unity and development, many have fueled division, fostering distrust among religious groups.

While religion remains a central force in Nigerian society, it should not overshadow more pressing national concerns. Economic instability, poor governance, and security challenges affect Nigerians across religious lines. Yet, these systemic issues receive far less attention than religious grievances in public discourse.

If the United States and other international bodies genuinely want to address religious freedom violations in Nigeria, they must go beyond consulting religious elites. A more comprehensive approach should involve direct engagement with affected communities, independent investigations, and objective assessments of FoRB violations. No single religious group possesses the power or resources to impose a national faith on Nigeria’s diverse population of over 220 million people.

It is time for global actors to recognize that Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond religious identity. By shifting their focus to structural injustices, economic inequalities, and governance failures, they will better understand the true obstacles to religious freedom—and, more importantly, contribute to lasting solutions.

*Samari, a FoRB trainer based in Abuja, Nigeria, coordinates media projects focused on Freedom of Religion or Belief.*

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.

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By AbdulRahman Obaje

… Seeks Divine Intervention for Press Freedom, National Stability

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has extended warm Ramadan greetings to the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, and Muslims across the world, praying for peace, stability, and national prosperity. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">

In a statement signed by the President of the Guild, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, NGIJ described Ramadan as a sacred period of spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and devotion, urging Muslims to use the opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s progress, unity, and good governance.

The Guild emphasized the importance of turning to God in prayers, especially during challenging times.

The Guild prayed for the leadership of the country, asking Allah (SWT) to grant President Tinubu and all those in positions of authority the wisdom, strength, and sincerity to govern with fairness and justice. It also urged the general public to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and nation-building, emphasizing that Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political revival requires both collective commitment and divine intervention.

In line with its dedication to press freedom and justice, NGIJ used the blessed month of Ramadan to call on God for divine intervention in the plight of journalists facing persecution for upholding truth and accountability. The Guild specifically raised concern over the incarceration of journalists currently languishing in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre over a Cyberstalking case involving GTCO and its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.

The Guild decried the continuous clampdown on press freedom, describing it as a threat to democracy and fundamental human rights. It urged the Nigerian government, stakeholders, and the judiciary to protect journalists from undue harassment, intimidation, and wrongful imprisonment.

The Guild urged well-meaning Nigerians, legal advocates, and human rights defenders to speak up against the suppression of investigative journalism, which remains a vital pillar of democracy and accountability as well as coming to the rescue and freedom of the incarcerated Journalists.

NGIJ called on Muslims to use Ramadan as a time to strengthen their faith, renew their commitment to truth and justice, and contribute positively to national development. The Guild reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, social justice, and upholding the principles of free speech and investigative reporting.

As Nigeria navigates economic, security, and political challenges, NGIJ prayed for God’s mercy and devine intervention.

The Guild concluded by praying for the Muslim Ummah, asking Allah (SWT) to grant all believers good health, spiritual fulfillment, and abundant rewards during this holy month of Ramadan.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje

Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.

Latest entries

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