Establish religious, chieftaincy affairs ministry, Cleric urges FG

The Methodist Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Right Reverend Ishaya Kunama, has advised the federal government to urgently establish a ministry for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs as a measure towards addressing the numerous challenges bedeviling the country.

Bishop Kunama, who gave the advice in Sokoto while speaking on the Covenant of Rising Up, Build and Being Fruitful in 2024 submitted that “understanding our various diversities through the instrumentality of the ministry will further help us cultivate the culture of respect and acceptance which are essential elements of social stability and progress. 

“The creation of the ministry for religious and chieftaincy affairs will no doubt address the needs and concerns of religious and traditional leaders, thus ensuring harmonious coexistence within the society.

“This will in turn play a crucial role in promoting religious tolerance, safeguarding cultural heritage and address conflicts and disputes”, Kunama said.

While noting that the religious and chieftaincy affairs ministry if established will further bring about social cohesion and tackle societal challenges such as farmers/herders clashes, Bishop Kunama said it will further enable the government to channel their efforts towards development and overall progress of the country. 

He stressed what Nigerians stand to benefit should the ministry of religious and chieftaincy affairs be established, which includes, “help preserve, promote and protect cultural heritages, monitor religious activities to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. 

“The establishment of a dedicated ministry for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs in Nigeria will embody the government’s commitment to actively promote religious harmony, cultural preservation and sustainable development”. Bishop Kunama added. 

Bishop of Methodist Church, Sokoto Diocese, Right Revd. Dr Ishaya Kunama