The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called on religious leaders across the country to use their pulpits to promote peace, unity and tolerance as Nigeria marches towards the 2027 general elections.
Mahmoud urged Christian and Muslim leaders to reject hate speech, violence, extremism and intolerance, stressing that churches, mosques and other places of worship must remain centres of peace, moral guidance and national unity.
She spoke on Thursday in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the Interfaith Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
The minister said the approaching political season made the role of religious leaders particularly important, urging them to guide their followers away from inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of threatening national peace.
Mahmoud also called on Nigerians to strengthen interfaith unity and peaceful coexistence, saying the country’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity should be treated as an asset rather than a source of division.
Describing the interfaith gathering as a demonstration of Nigerians’ shared faith in God and their collective desire for peace and prosperity, she said prayer had always played an important role in the nation’s history, particularly during challenging periods.
According to her, “Nigeria is greater than its religious, ethnic and cultural differences.”
Mahmoud commended the organisers for creating a platform for dialogue, tolerance, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, describing interfaith engagement as a key instrument for strengthening national cohesion.
Pray for Tinubu, Nigeria, Mahmoud Tells Citizens
The minister urged Nigerians to continue praying for President Tinubu and his administration as it implements reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for citizens.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
Mahmoud equally urged parents, religious leaders and other stakeholders to teach younger Nigerians that the country belongs to everyone, regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
She called for prayers for peace in communities, wisdom for leaders, protection for security personnel, opportunities for youths, empowerment of women, care for vulnerable Nigerians and prosperity for families.
The minister urged citizens to put national interest above individual interests, saying unity, patriotism and collective faith remained critical to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Religious Leaders Have Role to Play — Yau
The National President of Women Initiative for Family Economy (WIFE) and convener of the programme, Ambassador Aisha Abdulkadir Yau, also commended religious leaders for their contribution to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Yau said messages and sermons from churches and mosques had helped promote peaceful relationships between Christians and Muslims in different communities.
She, however, urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet to ensure the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
