The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and unite against insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.
Idris made the call in Abuja on the sidelines of the International Conference on “Diversity and Social Peace: A Partnership for a Promising Future,” organised by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in partnership with the Muslim World League.
The Minister said the diversity of participants at the conference underscored the need for Nigerians to work together to strengthen national security, stability and prosperity.
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According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than a tool for division.
“All of us need to come together, think as Nigerians, think as human beings, and work together, irrespective of our differences, so that we can act as one,” Idris said.
He warned that religious and ethnic divisions could further complicate efforts to tackle insecurity, urging Nigerians to reject violence, intolerance and attempts to exploit the country’s diversity.
“There is no time for differences. If, in our fight against insecurity, we allow religious differences, it will only exacerbate the problem. The need for us to come together as one people is important,” he stressed.
Idris clarified that the conference was not organised by the Nigerian Government, but said the government welcomed initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.
“If we want to advance and march towards prosperity, all of us must think and act together and come together as one people,” the Minister stated.
He also stressed Nigeria’s strategic importance to Africa and the global community, noting that peace and stability in the country would have implications beyond its borders.
“Nigeria is a very important country. It is a country of over 230 million people. Peace and tranquillity here mean peace and tranquillity everywhere in Africa and, indeed, the world,” Idris noted.
National Unity
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the conference, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, conveyed the President’s commitment to sustainable security, national unity and international cooperation.
He said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with international partners and relevant stakeholders to promote peace, security and stability.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, urged Nigerians to protect their shared humanity and reject efforts to weaponise religion, ethnicity or poverty for divisive purposes.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for sustained dialogue, honesty and stronger implementation of solutions to the country’s challenges.
He also urged Nigerians to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation among people of different faiths and communities.
Strength in Diversity
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Nigerians to regard the country’s diversity as an asset rather than a source of conflict.
Yilwatda noted that despite differences in religious practices and ethnic backgrounds, Nigerians share common aspirations and face many of the same challenges.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, called for stronger collaboration among government, religious organisations and communities in tackling insecurity.
He also advocated greater investment in education and skills development, saying such measures could reduce young people’s vulnerability to radicalisation and criminal recruitment.
Other dignitaries at the event include: The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), senior government officials, religious and traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives and other distinguished guests.
The conference emphasised the need for collective action, dialogue and tolerance, with speakers stressing that Nigeria’s diversity must be harnessed to build a more peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
