By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Amid growing social and political challenges confronting Nigeria, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has called on Muslims and Christians across the country to close ranks and use their religious values as a force for peace, justice, and national unity.

The bishop made this known in a goodwill message to the Muslim community on the occasion of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The message, jointly signed with Rev. Fr. Joseph Wale Ogundipe, Director of the Interreligious Dialogue Committee of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, was released on Friday.

Badejo, who felicitated with Muslims on the sacred celebration, described the annual feast as a reminder of shared responsibility among religious groups to confront societal ills and promote harmony.

“Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, Almighty Allah (SWT) has kept us this far, now we need to do more!” he declared.

He stressed that religion was never meant to divide humanity but rather to guide it back to its Creator, noting that spiritual observances like Eid-el-Kabir should inspire both Muslims and Christians to deepen their commitment to justice, peace, and communal responsibility.

“All glory to God for another celebration of this great Feast of Sacrifice, Eid-el-Kabir. Eid Mubarak Kulukum! We believe that God gave man religion to bring peace and harmony to our world,” the bishop stated.

Drawing inspiration from the Book of Isaiah (11:9), he emphasised that religion must serve a redemptive role in society by confronting injustice and defending the dignity of every human being.

“This feast challenges all of us to raise our voices against social evils that threaten peace, survival, and development. As believers in God, though from different backgrounds, we must challenge our attitudes toward one another,” he added.

On the intersection of religion and politics, Bishop Badejo warned against religious sentiments being used to fuel division. Instead, he advocated for the infusion of ethical and moral values into the nation’s political culture.

“Our religions cannot be divorced from politics, but they must refine its values not incite conflict. Our collaboration for a safer and more just country is not optional; it is a moral obligation,” he said.

Calling for increased interreligious dialogue, he urged Nigerians to reject bigotry and embrace mutual respect, insisting that both Islam and Christianity should be vehicles for national cohesion.

“Let us make our two beautiful religions a source of harmonious coexistence, joy, and peace. Once again, I wish you a blessed and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Barka da Sallah!” he concluded.