Uyo, Oct. 20, 2025 (NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on religious leaders to see religion as a formidable tool that could enhance patriotism and love for the nation.
The Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, gave the charge on Monday when he played host to the Akwa Ibom Prayer Network and Ita Udoyo Intercessory and Prayer Outreach in Uyo.
Mkpoutom called on all religious leaders to embrace the rich spiritual heritage of their states to foster and ignite patriotism that reflected the true essence of the country.
“Nigeria is a nation with rich cultural, ethnic and religious diversities that must be navigated with sensitivity and foresight.
“Religion stands as a formidable tool, which if used wisely, can uplift citizens beyond communal boundaries and foster a collective identity rooted in love for their country.
“Cultivating shared beliefs and fostering interfaith dialogue will pave the way for a united future, patriotism, and national pride across varied landscapes,” Mkpoutom said.
The state director urged religious leaders to, during their sermons, speak openly about national issues to galvanise their congregations toward promoting national stability as a religious duty.
“Religious authorities can inspire followers to engage actively in the civic sphere, whether through voting, community service or advocacy,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Team Leader of Akwa Ibom Prayer Network and Ita Udoyo Intercessory and Prayer Outreach, Mr Ita Udoyo, said that religion permeates every aspect of Nigerian life and influences politics, education and social interactions.
Udoyo noted that religious institutions have historically played a crucial role in community building, moral guidance and social reform.
He said that by engaging religious leaders and leveraging their influence, the Nigerian government and civil society could promote messages of patriotism and national pride that transcend ethnic and religious divides.
“This religious diversity presents both challenges and opportunities; though it can lead to sectarian strife, yet it serves as a unifying factor if harnessed responsibly,” he said. (NAN)
