By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to intensify their campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
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 (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President said religious institutions had a crucial role to play in confronting extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He urged religious leaders to consistently condemn the killing of innocent people and 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,” Tinubu said.
He also urged religious leaders to remind political leaders of the need for justice, responsibility and compassion, while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
The President said the appeal was particularly important amid growing global challenges, including armed conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes, climate shocks and the manipulation of religious and ethnic identities.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, describing the situation as one that underscores the growing importance of spiritual leadership in promoting peace.
According to him, religious leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” and possess the capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and reduce hatred and bitterness within communities.
Tinubu specifically highlighted the transnational reach of the Tijjaniyya Order, saying its networks across West Africa, North Africa and other regions could be deployed to support reconciliation, counter violent extremism, guide young people and promote humanitarian efforts across the Sahel and wider West Africa.
He said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of religious and traditional institutions to grassroots peacebuilding, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, and strengthening national cohesion.
The President further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country’s strategic position in West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin and Gulf of Guinea makes its stability important to the wider region.
“Peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” he said, adding that religious communities with strong transnational links could complement the efforts of governments and regional institutions in building sustainable social peace.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to protect freedom of religion while strengthening partnerships with religious and traditional leaders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and national unity.
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He welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order and other delegates from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries who attended the Maulud, noting the deep roots of the Tijjaniyya tradition in Nigeria.
The President also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing him as a respected Islamic scholar, teacher, voice of moderation and advocate of peace.
He said the best way to preserve the legacy of the late cleric was to sustain his commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peaceful coexistence, learning and service to society.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Tijjaniyya leadership, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.
