A philosopher, Prof Uzodinma Nwala has advocated unity and tolerance as a panacea for peace and stability in Nigeria.
Nwala, a Professor of African Philosophy and onetime National Secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) made the call at the 5thAnniversary of Grand Colloquium in memory of Very Rev. Fr. Stan Ani in Enugu on Tuesday.
The philosopher described Nigeria as a `plural society’ made up of many nations with different cultures, religion, language and tradition adding that it required tolerance of these factors to ensure stability.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of late Prof Ani who stood for peace and ecumenism while he lived.
According to him, late Prof Ani promoted Christian/Muslim dialogue as a panacea for peace and unity in the country.
“Prof Stan Ani preached ecumenism in all facets of life and religious tolerance and he never engaged in discrimination based on religion,’’ he said.
The former unionist also advocated for enculturation whereby the church and the traditional institution could exist in harmony.
He commended the organizers of the colloquium for immortalizing the late professor of philosophy through the Prof Stan Chinedu Ani Foundation (PROFSCA).
Earlier, the Chairman of the foundation and Chancellor, Coal City University, Chief Chinedu Ani said he established the annual lecture series to promote the virtues of late uncle, Prof Ani.
While thanking the guests, Ani urged them to imbibe the spirit of ecumenism which the late cleric lived for before his demise in 2013.
Rev Fr Ani was a Catholic cleric and educationist, who established many institutions including African Thinkers College of Inquiry, Ecumenical College which metamorphosed to the Godrfrey Okoye University. (NAN)
