President Bola Tinubu has called on Christian and Muslim faithful in Nigeria to embrace love and trust, describing them as essential tools for building a cohesive and united nation.
Speaking at the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting held on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, said: “Without trust, noble intentions risk being misunderstood and distorted.”
He noted that trust can help the country overcome deep divisions, resolve complex conflicts, and lay the foundation for national consensus and lasting greatness.
The President commended NIREC for its continued role in bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s two major religions to promote peace and moral guidance.
He described the council’s work as “a beacon of hope and a moral compass guiding national unity and harmony.”
Tinubu also appreciated Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for hosting the gathering, praising the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in the state. He described the theme of the meeting, ‘Building Mutual Trust and National Unity’, as timely and particularly relevant to Nigeria’s current challenges.
Uzodimma, NIREC leaders advocate for peace and mutual trust
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude to NIREC for choosing Imo as host and commended its mission of promoting interfaith harmony.
He urged religious leaders to uphold peace, love, and mutual trust as the foundation of a united Nigeria.
He also praised the patriotic leadership of NIREC co-chairmen—Sultan Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar and Archbishop Daniel Okoh. “Religion must never be misused as a tool for division,” Uzodimma warned, stressing that it should serve as a unifying force.
He added that Nigerians must “look beyond stereotypes and embrace each other’s humanity,” identifying unity as essential to national progress. The governor further encouraged religious leaders to use their platforms to foster love, tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence, while also speaking out against violence, crime, terrorism, and insecurity.
Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, NIREC Secretary, stressed the need to change divisive narratives around religion and ethnicity.
He lamented that Nigeria’s diversity, which should be a strength, is often manipulated to fuel conflict.
Omonokhua called for education reforms that preserve the true teachings of religion and history, promoting unity and Godly fear among students.
In separate remarks, Sultan Abubakar and Archbishop Okoh urged Nigerians to commit to peacebuilding and national progress. They cautioned against ethnic and religious profiling and advocated for “love, unity, and prayers for wise and effective leadership.”
The conference also featured presentations by Mr Fidelis Chukwu, former chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Alhaji Alatare Musa. A major highlight was the inauguration of NIREC members from the five states of the South-East geopolitical zone.
