Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development

Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development

By: Michael Mike

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reiterated that peace and progress can only thrive in an environment built on dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, calling on all Nigerians to embrace unity as a key to development.

Speaking at an interfaith conference on coexistence and dialogue among Abraham Faiths in Abuja, Freeman noted that there should be continuous conversation on coexistence as it remains “important and timely,” especially as many parts of the world continue to grapple with division, hate, and misunderstanding.

Freeman said: “It’s an honour to join today’s important and very timely discussions on coexistence,” adding that: “At a time when so many parts of the world are struggling with division and misunderstanding, this conversation could not be more necessary.”

He further explained that coexistence should not be mistaken for the mere absence of conflict, but should be seen as “the presence of respect, empathy, and shared purpose.”

He said: “It is about choosing dialogue over hate, building bridges rather than walls, and recognising that our diversity can be a source of strength rather than weakness.”

Freeman who described coexistence in Israel as “a lived reality” rather than a distant ideal, said: “Every day, Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze live, work and study side by side.”

He added that: “In our hospitals, doctors treat all patients equally. In our universities, students from every background learn together. In our parliament, voices from every community help shape the nation’s future.”

The envoy while admitting that coexistence in Israel is “not perfect,” said it is “real and cherished.”

The ambassador highlighted Israel’s regional peace efforts through the Abraham Accords, which have strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with countries such as Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

He noted that: “These accords have already changed the face of the Middle East, proving that peace between peoples is possible when we focus on what unites us,” he said. “We continue to hope and work for the expansion of the Abraham Accords so that more nations will join the circle of peace and prosperity.”

He declared that Israel and Nigeria both share similar aspirations for peace, diversity, and progress.

He said: “Here in Nigeria, we see a nation that mirrors that same aspiration, diverse, faithful, and full of promise. Nigeria has faced painful challenges attacks on Christian communities and attacks on Muslim communities. Each tragedy is a wound that must be healed, and healing can only begin through understanding and partnership.”

He however noted that sustainable peace must begin at the grassroots level, not only in political or diplomatic circles.

Freeman said: “Peace does not begin in government halls or international conferences, it begins in neighbourhoods, in schools, in our places of worship, and in our hearts.”

He expressed Israel’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as innovation, agriculture, education, and security, while also building a stronger “moral partnership” founded on mutual respect and shared values.

Islamic, Christians and Jewish religion leaders during a panel debate called for grassroots leadership, youth engagement and shared moral duty.

Imam Muhammed Ashafa, speaking for Muslim communities, said faith need not divide and emphasised the duty of leaders to guide youth into society rather than push them away. “We have convictions that our faith is complete and true,” he said, “but when people of faith come together, speak to each other and share on issues that matter to all of us freedom of practice, the welfare of youth, family life we show the world a living example of unity.”

He however arned that religious education should prepare young people to rejoin and strengthen their communities, “By the time you graduate, you should go into the community to build, not to disagree. Religious leaders must teach what is more important to let youth engage in society irrespective of the faith we possess.”

He added that leaders bear a responsibility “to make sure everybody around you are aware of your territory, live with peace and coming,” arguing that faith leaders must actively prevent anyone under their influence from sowing division.

For his part, Rabbi Menachem Chitrik, representing the Jewish community, echoed the call for leadership by example and the importance of teaching tolerance from an early age. He said: “You have to be an example in your house, reflecting on the personal and educational work required to model respect across beliefs.”

He recalled historical moments of interfaith cooperation and urged renewed emphasis on mediation and negotiation, “The mediation and the negotiation process is on behalf of the people of law. Our leaders must be willing to stay and work through crises, not walk away.”

Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa of the Christian Association of Nigeria praised the event’s spirit of inclusivity and urged that leaders and citizens translate principles into practice. “What we are trying to practise is inclusiveness.”

“If we decide to have a space to practise human existence together, then we will meet, work and achieve the peace we desire.”

Ogunmuyiwa however warned against claims of superiority that breed conflict and called for consistent leadership that fosters unity adding that “When we see ourselves as one family, we will not fight one another.”

Israeli Envoy Calls on Nigeria to Embrace Unity as Key to Development