President calls for stronger faith-based advocacy against violence, extremism and misuse of religion
President Bola Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
President Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
According to a statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President said religious leaders had a crucial role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith to justify attacks on innocent people.
He urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty, President Tinubu said.
He also called on religious leaders to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances, while urging them to remind political leaders of their responsibilities to citizens.
President Tinubu said religious leaders should also use their influence to discourage misinformation, identity-based divisions and violent extremism, particularly among young people.
The President noted that the gathering was taking place amid global challenges, including armed conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime, climate and food shocks, and the manipulation of religion and identity.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, President Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.
He described spiritual leaders as important “guardians of conscience”, saying their influence could help heal divisions, resolve grievances and address hatred and bitterness within communities.
President Tinubu particularly highlighted the Tijjaniyya community’s extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying the group could contribute to reconciliation, counter-terrorism, youth guidance and humanitarian support.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to freedom of worship and collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
The President also stressed the importance of Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea, saying instability in the country could have consequences beyond its borders.
He urged religious communities with transnational networks to support government and regional efforts to build lasting peace.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died in November 2025, describing him as a teacher, father and advocate of peace and moderation.
The President commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, organisers and volunteers for their roles in the Maulud.
The call comes amid renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s governance and politics.
On July 28, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with Tinubu and raised concerns over the country’s security and economic challenges.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, subsequently criticised what he described as the presentation of a “rosy picture” of the country’s situation by some people around the President and warned that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”
His remarks sparked debate over the role of religious leaders in national affairs, with some members of the Presidency and Federal Government accusing the cleric of partisanship.