Lagos, Nigeria - The Nigerian chapter of International Congress of Traditional Religion and Culture has called on government to accord it recognition like its Christian and Islamic counterparts.
The group, has also started spiritual retreat for a hitch-free 2007 polls.
National president of the association, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon made the plea in Osogbo, Osun State, while bemoaning the relegation of traditional religion to the background.
While calling on the government to declare every August 20, as a national public holiday to celebrate African traditional religion, Elebuibon noted that the congress has been giving politicians across the country spiritual support in their quest for political offices.
He declared further that the conference was poised to "creating awareness for and to pronounce the existence of the African traditional religionists in the country" "Although it is widely known that the traditional religion does exist, little is known about its activities. We want the world therefore to give needed attention and recognition to the religion as being done for the other two religions," he added.
Elebuibon, also unveiled the congress' plan towards celebrating this years' universal day for African Traditional Religion on August 20.
According to him, "a lot of activities have been lined up for this year's celebration of African Traditional Religion taking place in Osun State being the world headquarters of the congress. African Traditional worshippers from all over the world would be present to mark the celebration and every 20th of August has been unanimously dedicated as the Universal Day for African Traditional Religion and the programmes would be on for the next seven days".