INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN NIGERIA

Inter-religious dialogue has gained prominence in Nigeria against the backdrop of culture and religious plurality cum tools violence, loss of life, vandalism, and disruption of peaceful co-existence in the nation. Huge resources have been invested into various forms of inter-religious dialogue. However, inter-religious dialogue has proved quasi-effective due to misuse, dishonest, and lack of promoting mutuality in a religiously plural society. The cycle of killings continuous unabated with its corresponding effect on political and economic situations. This study, therefore, looks at the imperatives of inter-religious dialogue and it role in promoting peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. The study relied on secondary data drown from an airy of published and unpublished materials relevant to the study. These include books, journals, magazines, conference Papers, Encyclopedias, News Paper and the Internet. The results of findings revealed that inter-religious dialogue is a panacea to inter-religious crisis in the Nigeria society. The study concludes that forging inter-religious peaceful co-existence through dialogue demands a lot of courage, sincerity of purpose and commitment. The study recommended that, there should be sincerity of purpose among stake holders in inter-religious dialogue. Moreso, religious leader’s leader should sensitize peaceful co-existence.