Key Takeaways
- President Tinubu calls on spiritual leaders to condemn terrorism and violence
- He emphasizes the importance of peace education and moral formation
- The President highlights the need for regional cooperation and dialogue
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to consistently speak against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence, stressing that no genuine service to God can be advanced through the destruction of innocent lives.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA. Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President charged religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people.
The Importance of Spiritual Leaders
The President emphasized that spiritual leaders have a crucial role to play in promoting peace and combating violence. He stated that spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred. Additionally, he noted that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions.
Tinubu cited a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, which stated that 1178 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, underscoring the need for spiritual leaders to help heal wounds, resolve grievances and combat hatred. He also highlighted the need for regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, economic integration and dialogue, noting that Nigeria's stability has consequences beyond its borders.
Why This Matters
The President's call to action is a reminder that spiritual leaders have a critical role to play in promoting peace and combating violence. By working together, governments, regional institutions, and spiritual leaders can build a more peaceful and stable world, where the innocent are protected and the vulnerable are supported. The consequences of inaction are too great to ignore, and it is imperative that we take collective action to address the challenges facing our world today.