EVENT REPORT: 2025 WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK CONFERENCE AND AWARDS Date: February 5, 2025 Venue: Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Organizers: Honor 103.5 FM in collaboration with Pan-af Publishers INTRODUCTION On February 5, 2025, the University of Ibadan played host to the prestigious World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference and Awards, a significant event organized by Honor 103.5 FM in collaboration with Pan-af Publishers. This conference, underscored by its theme of promoting religious harmony and tolerance, attracted an impressive assembly of dignitaries, religious leaders, and scholars, all united in their commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and collaboration. EVENT OVERVIEW The conference commenced with a warm welcome by the Chief Host, Rev. Dr. Samson 'Supo Ayokunle, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as participants gathered to engage in discussions centered on the role of religion in human development, the historical evolution of faith, and the pressing need for unity amidst diversity. Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR delivered the Thematic Paper, emphasizing the necessity of mutual love, ethical revolutions, and value reorientation as foundational pillars for achieving religious harmony. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, sparking reflections on the positive impacts of religion in societal advancement, while simultaneously addressing the darker facets of religious exploitation, including political manipulation, terrorism, and the incitement of hatred. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara CFR, former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, presented the Keynote Paper highlighting the historical lessons that Nigeria has yet to learn from past religious conflicts, stressing the urgent need for collective action to avert further tragedies. The event featured a series of poignant goodwill addresses delivered by notable religious stakeholders, including: - His Eminence, Alh. Dr. Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR - The Sultan of Sokoto, - The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) - The head of the Yoruba (Ifa) traditional Institution, Prof. Wande Abimbola, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) - The Executive President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Each address reinforced the commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation. SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS Among the notable highlights of the event was the presentation of the book "Reviving Values: A Blueprint for the Tertiary Institutions," authored by Femi Adebisi. This publication aims to serve as a critical resource in the ongoing dialogue about ethical reorientation in educational institutions. Additionally, the Religious Harmony Art Exhibition, curated by Tunde Odunlade, showcased works that celebrated the beauty of diversity and the shared values of different faiths. These artistic expressions served as a powerful reminder of the creativity and unity that can emerge from interfaith collaboration. One of the most memorable moments of the event was the Harmony Dance, which featured women from diverse faith backgrounds dressed in traditional attire, led by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR. This celebration of unity not only captivated the audience but also symbolized the potential for peaceful coexistence among different religious communities. IMPACTS OF THE 2025 WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK CONFERENCE AND AWARDS The event had a profound impact on various levels, both locally and internationally. Here are some key impacts of the event: 1. Promotion of Religious Tolerance and Harmony: The conference served as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance among diverse religious groups. By bringing together leaders from various faiths, the event fostered dialogue and collaboration, helping to bridge gaps and reduce misconceptions between different religious communities. 2. Historical Reflection and Learning: The discussions led by notable figures such as former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR and Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara CFR encouraged attendees to reflect on Nigeria's historical struggles with religious conflicts. This emphasis on learning from history aimed to prevent future violence and promote peaceful coexistence, highlighting the importance of acknowledging past mistakes to build a better future. 3. Strengthening Interfaith Networks: The gathering of over fifty diverse religious leaders and dignitaries created an opportunity for networking and the formation of alliances among diverse faith groups. This strengthened interfaith relations could lead to collaborative efforts in community development projects, humanitarian initiatives, and conflict resolution. 4. Awareness of the Role of Religion in Society: The thematic discussions illuminated both the positive and negative roles that religion plays in society. By addressing issues such as terrorism, oppression, and intolerance, the event raised awareness about the need for a collective effort to steer religion towards promoting peace and development rather than division and conflict. 5. Cultural Exchange and Artistic Expression: The Religious Harmony Art Exhibition by Tunde Odunlade showcased the richness of diverse cultural expressions, allowing attendees to appreciate the artistic contributions of various faiths. Additionally, the harmony dance featuring women from different backgrounds highlighted the beauty of unity in diversity, promoting cultural appreciation and collaboration. 6. Presentation of a book titled "Reviving Values - A Blueprint for the Tertiary Institutions: The presentation of the book "Reviving Values: A Blueprint for the Tertiary Institutions" by Femi Adebisi provided an intellectual resource aimed at guiding educational institutions in fostering values of tolerance and respect. This publication can serve as a foundational tool for future generations to understand and uphold interfaith harmony. 7. Media Coverage and Public Engagement: The extensive media coverage, including live broadcasts and reporting by over 40 local and international newspapers including Aljazeera, amplified the event's message beyond the immediate audience. This outreach raised public awareness about interfaith dialogue and its importance, encouraging broader community engagement in promoting peace and understanding. 8. Inspiration for Future Initiatives: The successful execution of the event and the impactful speeches from key figures may inspire future initiatives aimed at enhancing interfaith relations. The emphasis on ethical revolution and value reorientation could lead to grassroots movements and programs focused on nurturing harmony among diverse communities. 9. Recognition and Motivation for Champions of Harmony: The Apostles of Peace Gold Awards and Interfaith Harmony Gold Awards presented to champions of religious harmony served to recognize and motivate individuals and organizations actively working towards peacebuilding. This acknowledgment not only empowers recipients but also encourages others to engage in similar efforts, creating a ripple effect of positive action within society. 10. Legacy of Leadership and Commitment: The presence of esteemed leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto and former governors, underscored a collective commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue. Their leadership roles may inspire future political and religious leaders to prioritize harmony, creating a legacy of cooperation and understanding for generations to come. In summary, the 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference and Awards had a multifaceted impact, promoting dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse faiths. The event not only addressed the challenges posed by religious intolerance but also celebrated the potential of religion to contribute positively to human development and social cohesion. Conclusion The 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference and Awards was a resounding success, drawing attention to the critical issues of religious harmony and coexistence. The event not only facilitated meaningful dialogue among participants but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat intolerance and promote understanding across faiths. As the conference concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, it was clear that the collective commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation remains a vital endeavor for Nigeria and beyond. The insights shared during the event are expected to resonate well beyond the conference, inspiring action and dialogue in communities across the nation. In a world often divided by religious and cultural differences, the World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of unity in diversity.

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