By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo
The Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, Hon. Justice Frederick O. Oho, has called on religious leaders and people of faith to promote peace, unity and mutual understanding as vital tools for addressing the challenges facing humanity.
Justice Oho made the call while declaring open the BCS Inter-Religious World Conference and Retreat organised by the Christ Universal General Fellowship (CUGF) in Akwa Ibom State.
The conference, tagged Akwa Ibom 2026, had as its theme: “The Power of Unity in Diversity: Many Voices, One Humanity.”
He said the theme was timely, noting that the world is blessed with diversity but continues to grapple with division, intolerance, conflict and misunderstanding among peoples and nations.
According to him, despite differences in faiths, cultures and traditions, humanity shares a common aspiration for peace, justice, human dignity and collective progress.
The appellate court judge stressed that diversity should not be seen as a weakness but as a strength capable of enriching societies and fostering cooperation among people of different backgrounds.
He lamented the growing challenges of religious extremism, violent conflicts, poverty, inequality, environmental degradation and social fragmentation, saying the solution lies in learning to respect differences while recognising a common humanity.
Justice Oho described the conference as more than a gathering of minds, saying it was a meeting of hearts aimed at deepening dialogue, promoting mutual understanding and building bridges of cooperation among faith communities.
He urged participants to engage openly, listen respectfully and seek common ground in their deliberations, adding that people of different beliefs and traditions can work together for the advancement of humanity.
The jurist also commended delegates, facilitators, partners and sponsors for supporting the conference and expressed hope that the retreat would serve as a beacon of hope and a model of peaceful coexistence in an increasingly divided world.
