By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with religious leaders to promote peace, harmony and tolerance across Nigeria, saying sustained interfaith dialogue remains critical to tackling the country’s security challenges.
Tinubu stated this on Saturday in Abuja while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, who was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said religious leaders have a vital role to play in fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence.
President Tinubu said: “My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that.”
The President recalled his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, noting that he has always supported the Church’s contributions to education and healthcare.
He explained that this conviction informed his decision to prioritise the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during previous military administrations.
Tinubu also praised Pope Leo XIV for his global peace efforts and expressed hope that the Pontiff would visit Nigeria.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote world peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” the President said.
On security, Tinubu said the military had recorded significant gains against criminal elements, adding that his administration was committing more resources to surveillance and security operations, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.
He added that government investments in youth development were aimed at protecting young Nigerians from exploitation by terrorist groups and reducing their vulnerability to radicalisation.
Earlier, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as strategic to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population and thanked President Tinubu for attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
The Archbishop also commended the President’s efforts to promote peace and strengthen national security, while expressing appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support to the Catholic Church, including facilitating visas for bishops and responding to the Church’s needs.
He expressed optimism that relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen through future high-level engagements.
#partnership
… reposted this!