Tinubu seeks stronger Muslim-Christian dialogue, says peaceful coexistence key to Nigeria’s prosperity

President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths, saying peaceful coexistence is critical to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, conveyed the president’s position on Monday during the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja.

Idris said Nigeria and the Muslim World League would on Tuesday convene an international security conference in Abuja to advance peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.

The conference, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, is expected to bring together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development.

Idris said the conference was coming at an important time as Nigeria continues to strengthen its national security architecture while pursuing reforms and investments to accelerate socio-economic development.

“The president is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” he said.

The minister said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, had a responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent.

He added that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would have a positive impact on West Africa and Africa as a whole.

Idris said the conference would provide an opportunity for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.

He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian government and other stakeholders for facilitating the visit of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Scholars.

Idris also thanked Al-Issa for his continued commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities.

AL-ISSA BACKS TINUBU’S PEACE EFFORTS 

Earlier, Al-Issa commended Tinubu’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.

He said peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability across West Africa and the wider world.

The secretary-general said his visit was centred on peace and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the conference would provide an important platform for advancing dialogue and harmony in Nigeria and globally.

He also inaugurated a newly constructed mosque in  Abuja, and expressed appreciation to those who contributed to its establishment.

The international security conference is expected to bring together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on peace, security and national unity.

Among those who attended the mosque inauguration were Ahmad Aliyu, governor of Sokoto; Ali Pate, minister of health and social welfare; Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment; Aliyu Wamakko, senator representing Sokoto north; Danjuma Goje, senator representing Gombe central; and Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara and senator, among other dignitaries.