President of Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, COFP, and former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Cardinal John Onaiyekan has called on Nigerian to accept their differences as bonds for unity.
He also sued for religious tolerance maintaining that tolerance among religions was imperative for lasting peace and unity in Nigeria.
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and former President Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, spoke on Saturday at the finals of the second edition of the Interfaith Youth Football Competition, IYFC, sponsored by his foundation in Abuja.
The competition is aimed at promoting peace and unity among Nigerians, especially youths.
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He said: “We as a people must begin to accept our linguistic, religious and cultural differences as strong bonds for our unity.
“The purpose of this football competition is to bring every Nigerian together as one, irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.
Babayaro FC of Gwagwalada won the trophy by defeating defending champions, Solace FC of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, 4-3 on penalties.
The match ended 1-1 at full time with both sides missing opportunities to score.