First Lady urges Nigerians to pray for peace and repentance among perpetrators of violence across the country.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for renewed prayers for Nigeria, urging divine intervention to transform the hearts of those involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
She appealed for genuine repentance among perpetrators of violence, expressing hope that they would renounce criminality and embrace peaceful coexistence for the nation’s progress.
Senator Tinubu made the call on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, at his palace in Sokoto, where discussions focused on peace, national unity and the role of leaders in fostering harmony across Nigeria.
The First Lady said the country’s challenges require not only government interventions but also sustained prayers and moral guidance from traditional and religious leaders, whose influence remains vital in promoting tolerance, reconciliation and national cohesion.
She commended the Sultan for his unwavering support, fatherly counsel and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a voice of moderation and national unity whose interventions have continued to inspire confidence among Nigerians.
Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between their families, Senator Tinubu said the visit was both an expression of gratitude and an opportunity to reaffirm the administration’s respect for the traditional institution and its contributions to peace and stability.
She noted that the Sultan has remained a dependable statesman, offering valuable advice on issues affecting national development, which she described as invaluable to the Tinubu administration.
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto stressed the need for both leaders and citizens to continually seek God’s intervention in addressing the nation’s security and socio-economic challenges. While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in tackling criminality, he emphasised that spiritual efforts through prayers must not be overlooked.
The revered monarch also prayed for genuine transformation among individuals involved in violent crimes, urging them to abandon criminality and become responsible members of society.
The Sultan further commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by the First Lady, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most impactful humanitarian programmes in recent years. He noted that the initiative has positively impacted millions of Nigerians through interventions targeted at women, children, youths, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, also praised Senator Tinubu’s visit and lauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for complementing government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of citizens. He described the programme as people-centred and capable of strengthening families while expanding opportunities for disadvantaged Nigerians.
The visit concluded with special prayers offered by Islamic clerics for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Governor of Sokoto State, and for lasting peace, unity and prosperity across the country.