The forty-sixth Inaugural Lecture of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered by Rev Father Professor Boniface Obiefuna, has advocated practical solutions to the lingering ethnic, religious and social problems facing Nigeria.
The Inaugural Lecture, held at the University’s auditorium, drew experts from the religious class, academia and political divides, including the Vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Charles Esimone, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revered Doctor Paulinus Ezeokafor, a former Legislator, Senator Joy Emordi, a former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, amongst others.
The forty-sixth UNIZIK Inaugural Lecture, with the theme, “Religion and Human Relations in Contemporary Nigeria: The Wounds, the Healing,”
tried to examine religious basics of human relationships as against its abuse in modern day Christian and social parlance.
The inaugural lecturer and a Professor of Religion, Society and Human Relations, Reverend Father Boniface Obiefuna, noted that there was need for continued robust human relations, which would act as a driving force for society’s betterment.
Professor Obiefuna condemned what he described as the commercialization of religion, power struggles, greed, tribalism and other threatening issues setting the Nigerian progress backwards .
He advocated mutual respect, self-awareness, positive communication, education and peaceful coexistence as some approaches to the achievement of a united and progressive nation.
The Chairman, Inaugural Lecture Committee, Professor Richard Uwakwe, said the lecture, which has now become a monthly affair, has assembled respected academics in various fields of learning from the institution who proffer solutions to challenging societal issues.
