TPADI Partners Interfaith Dialogue Conference to Unite Faith Leaders for Peace in Akwa Ibom

A historic one-day Interfaith Dialogue Conference—held at the University of Uyo in partnership with the Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI)—brought together religious leaders, scholars, and peace advocates from across Nigeria and Africa to deepen understanding, strengthen cooperation, and advance peacebuilding.

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The event featured the public presentation of the Handbook of Studies and Development in Dialogue, a collaborative work by scholars from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana, and also marked the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Interreligious Council.

As an event partner, TPADI supported the convening and reiterated its commitment to cross-faith engagement and dialogue-driven development across the continent.

Speaking at the conference, convener Assoc. Prof. Joseph Udoh emphasized that peace in Akwa Ibom “must be intentionally nurtured through dialogue, education, and collaboration” among diverse faith traditions—including Christianity, Islam, Indigenous religions, Judaism, and the Baha’i Faith.

In his acceptance speech, Rev. Isang Eyoumoh, Chairperson of the Council’s Executive Committee, called for sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and unity, urging that the state’s religious diversity be seen “as a bridge, not a barrier.”

Other contributors, including Dr. Joseph Atang and Dr. Scholar Wayua Kiilu of Kenya, advocated stronger partnerships with government, faith institutions, private sector, and international organizations to entrench peace, improve governance, and promote peaceful coexistence across social and doctrinal divides.

Reporting from the event, Daniel Bassey noted that the newly inaugurated Council is tasked with interfaith education, correcting misconceptions, mediating tensions, and serving as a united moral voice for justice and human dignity. Participants hailed the initiative as a decisive step toward transforming religious diversity into a force for development and the common good—with PADI’s partnership underscoring the regional significance and long-term vision of the effort.