By Seun Ibiyemi
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged religious leaders and faith-based organisations to strengthen interfaith collaboration and support government efforts to promote national unity, peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Shettima said religious leaders had important roles to play in fostering understanding among communities, promoting responsible citizenship and mobilising support for initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.
The Vice President made the call on Thursday when he received a delegation of the Community and Youth Development National Network at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The organisation is a coalition of Islamic religious bodies focused on youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence and leadership development. It also operates an interfaith platform involving Christian leaders and other stakeholders.
Commending the organisation’s membership and outreach, Shettima described its members as individuals with the intellectual capacity, influence and moral standing to shape public attitudes and promote national cohesion.
He urged the delegation to sustain engagement with Christian leaders and other religious stakeholders, noting that dialogue and cooperation were essential to building trust across religious and social boundaries.
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“I urge you to be partners in our national progress. Remain undeterred and focused, and let us ensure that whatever binds us supersedes that which divides us,” he said.
The Vice President described Nigeria as a collective responsibility and called on religious leaders to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the country’s development.
He also expressed confidence in the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as necessary measures to address longstanding structural challenges and reposition the country for sustainable growth.
Although he acknowledged the difficulties associated with the reforms, Shettima maintained that they were laying the foundation for improved economic performance and greater prosperity.
He urged faith-based and community leaders to promote public understanding of government policies, encourage constructive engagement and support initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
Earlier, the delegation, led by the organisation’s National Coordinator and Vice Chairman II, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance, youth development and peaceful coexistence.
The group stressed the need for stronger cooperation among religious organisations and other stakeholders to promote national stability, responsible leadership and inclusive development.
