By Dada Ahmed.
Undoubtedly,the importance of citizens’ voice in promoting peace and national development cannot be overstated, in a multi-religious and culturally diverse country like Nigeria.
The term citizens’ voice refers to the active participation of individuals in societal affairs, particularly in matters of governance, justice, social harmony, and development. It goes beyond casting votes during elections; it involves civic engagement, constructive dialogue, responsible use of freedom of expression, and collaboration in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Religious harmony, defined as peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths, remains a cornerstone for stability in Nigeria. The country is almost evenly split between Islam and Christianity, with a significant number adhering to African Traditional Religions. In such a setting, the voices of citizens,if harnessed appropriately, can bridge divides, reduce tensions, and foster a climate of understanding and unity.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has witnessed various religious conflicts in the past, often exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, political manipulation, and lack of inclusive dialogue. These conflicts not only claim lives and destroy property but also hinder socio-economic growth. This is where citizen engagement becomes crucial. When citizens recognize their collective power to speak against hate, challenge injustice, and promote tolerance, the narrative begins to change.
One key element of the citizens’ voice is community dialogue. In local communities where religious diversity is evident, regular interfaith forums can encourage open conversations. These platforms allow members of different religious groups to express concerns, share values, and understand one another’s beliefs without judgment. Such dialogues, when facilitated with sincerity and fairness, build trust and deconstruct long-held prejudices.
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for amplifying citizens’ voices. While it has sometimes been misused to spread hate, it also offers a great opportunity for peacebuilding. Online campaigns promoting religious tolerance, inspirational stories of interfaith cooperation, and positive engagements among youths of different faiths can reshape public opinion and foster national unity. Citizens, especially the youth, must be guided to use digital platforms responsibly to advocate for harmony rather than division.
Another aspect of citizen engagement is advocacy. Civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and individuals can advocate for policies that promote inclusivity and protect religious freedoms. Citizens must hold leaders accountable for inciting religious tension or failing to respond adequately to conflicts. Active citizenship includes writing petitions, participating in peaceful protests, and engaging lawmakers on the need for legislation that deters hate speech and discrimination.
The role of religious leaders cannot be ignored in this discourse. Citizens should demand and support faith leaders who preach peace, coexistence, and nation-building. By voicing their support for inclusive sermons and condemning extremism, citizens can shape the religious space into one that contributes positively to development.
Education also plays a vital role in enhancing citizen participation for harmony. Schools should emphasize civic education, teaching young Nigerians about the country’s religious diversity, the importance of mutual respect, and the value of collective progress. An informed citizenry is less likely to be manipulated by religious fanatics or political opportunists.
At the grassroots level, traditional rulers and community influencers should be empowered by citizens to promote inter-religious activities and celebrate shared cultural values. Town hall meetings, cultural festivals, and joint community service projects involving members of all faiths can solidify communal bonds. When citizens lead or support such efforts, they lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
Furthermore, media practitioners, who are also citizens, must use their platforms to enlighten the public. Rather than sensationalizing conflicts, they should report responsibly, highlighting stories of unity and collaborative development. Citizens should equally reward media outlets that promote peace through readership, viewership, and public commendation.
When religious harmony is established through active citizenship, national development becomes more attainable. Peace creates an enabling environment for investment, education, infrastructure, and innovation.
It is obvious that a divided nation would always be struggling to attract investors or achieve sustainable growth. Therefore,citizens who understand this linkage are better positioned to promote peace as a developmental tool.
It is instructive to note that inclusive development means that people from all religious backgrounds must feel a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Therefore,citizen-driven initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare must be accessible to all, irrespective of faith. This school of thought becomes crucial because when citizens lead such initiatives or pressure governments to implement them equitably, development becomes a shared goal rather than a divisive contest.
It is also very important for citizens to reject divisive politics. Politicians who use religion to gain votes or incite unrest must be identified and held accountable by the electorate. Citizens must vote for leaders based on competence, integrity, and developmental vision rather than sectarian affiliations.
The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of religion and association. Citizens must not only know these rights but be willing to defend them for self actualization and others.
Obviously,the strength of a nation lies in its unity, and this unity is nurtured when the voices of ordinary Nigerians resound in defense of justice, equity, and peace.
By and large,it must stressed that when citizens’ voices are empowered, informed, and engaged constructively, they become the most powerful instruments for religious harmony and national development. The journey toward a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria requires more than government policies,it must be complemented with the collective will of its people to speak, act, and live in ways that unite rather than divide. It is only then that Nigeria can truly fulfill her potential as a giant of Africa, not just in size, but in values, vision, and verifiable progress.
Ahmed serves an Editorial Advisor for Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners. He publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
