President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for peaceful coexistence and national unity as Nigeria host international security conference.
The conference, which is organsied by Nigeria and the Muslim World League, begins today in Abuja and it is expected to bring together religious leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.
The conference is expected to explore the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development, while strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this yesterday at the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
A statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, said Idris, who had earlier hosted Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and accompanied him to the mosque’s inauguration, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Nigeria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the international community.
The minister said the conference comes at an important time for Nigeria, as the country continues to strengthen its national security architecture, while pursuing reforms and investments aimed at accelerating socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity.
Idris also stated that peace and security are fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability across Africa.
‘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,’ Idris said.
The minister noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a major responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent, adding that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would positively influence West Africa and Africa.
Idris said the international conference would provide an important platform for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.
He hailed the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque.
Idris also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities.
Sheikh Al-Issa had applauded President Tinubu’s efforts at fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, stressing that 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 and expressed 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 Gauda, Abuja, and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to its establishment.
The international security conference brings together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Dignitaries at the event included Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima.