President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to speak out consistently against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and spiritual leaders from Nigeria and other countries, the President stressed that genuine religious devotion could not be advanced through the destruction of innocent lives.
He called on religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral upbringing of young people, while promoting justice, compassion, responsibility and peaceful resolution of grievances.
The President said the call was particularly important as the world faces conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime, food and energy insecurity, climate shocks and the manipulation of religion and identity.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, Tinubu noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2025.
He described religious leaders as important custodians of conscience who could help heal divisions, resolve grievances and counter hatred and extremism.
Tinubu also highlighted the extensive networks of the Tijjaniyya Order across West and North Africa, saying they could support reconciliation, counter-extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian efforts across the Sahel and beyond.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with religious and traditional leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, national unity and regional stability.
He also paid tribute to the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peace and service as one worth preserving.
