Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and work together to address insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.
Idris made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at an international conference titled “Diversity and Social Cohesion: Collaboration for a Better Future,” organised by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in collaboration with the Muslim World League.
The minister said the diversity of participants at the conference demonstrated a shared understanding that Nigeria’s security, peace and prosperity depend on citizens working together irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations.
He said Nigerians must see themselves first as citizens and human beings with common interests, urging them to build stronger cooperation in addressing national challenges.
«“We all need to unite, think as Nigerians and as human beings, and work together regardless of our differences, so that we can remain united as one,” Idris said.»
The minister warned that divisions along religious and ethnic lines could further complicate efforts to tackle insecurity, urging Nigerians to reject violence, intolerance and attempts to exploit the country’s diversity to create division.
“There is no time for division. As we confront insecurity, allowing religious differences to become part of the problem will only make the situation more difficult. Our need to unite as one society is extremely important,” he said.
Idris also clarified that the Federal Government did not organise the conference, but welcomed initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
He said Nigeria’s size, population and strategic importance made peace and stability in the country significant not only to its citizens but also to Africa and the wider world.
“Nigeria is a very important country, with a population of more than 230 million people. Peace and stability here have implications for peace and stability across Africa and beyond,” the minister said.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, conveyed the President’s commitment to sustainable security, national unity and international cooperation.
Barau said Nigeria would continue to work with international partners to strengthen peace and stability.
Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the International Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, urged Nigerians to protect their shared human rights and reject attempts to use religion, ethnicity or poverty to divide the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for sustained dialogue, honesty and stronger efforts to implement practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. He also urged Nigerians to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation among followers of different faiths.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Nigerians to view the country’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
Yilwatda noted that although Nigerians practise different religions, they share common aspirations and face many of the same challenges.
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 as part of efforts to reduce the vulnerability of young people to extremist ideologies and criminal recruitment.
The conference was attended by several senior government officials, governors, religious and traditional leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.
Among those present were Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Sultan of Sokoto, the APC National Chairman, Sheikh Al-Issa, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau and other prominent guests.
Tags
National News