President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to consistently condemn terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu made the appeal in Kano on Sunday through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President said religious leaders had an important role in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
“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 urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
Tinubu also called on religious leaders to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful ways of resolving grievances.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence,” he said.
The President said no genuine service to Allah could be advanced through the destruction of innocent lives.
Tinubu said the gathering came at a time when societies worldwide were confronting conflict, uncertainty, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime and the manipulation of identity and religion.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, he said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.
He said spiritual leaders could help heal wounds, resolve grievances and address hatred and bitterness, describing them as people who “guard the frontiers of conscience”.
Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, with spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, could support reconciliation, efforts to counter violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian assistance.
He said the Federal Government recognised the role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He said Nigeria’s location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world meant its peace and stability had consequences beyond its borders.
Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to uphold freedom of worship and strengthen collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
He welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and guests from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries.
The President also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation helped organise the Maulud. He described the late scholar as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”
