President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to uphold unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, describing them as essential to national security and sustainable development.
The President made the call on Monday at the 4th International Conference of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue held at Bayero University, Kano. He was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Tinubu commended the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue and the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, for sustaining interfaith engagements that foster peace and national cohesion.
“This conference continues to advance the ideals of peace and unity through dialogue. I am honoured to be part of this important conversation,” he said.
Reflecting on the theme of the conference, the President said the focus on the legacy of the late Sheikh Mahmud Abubakar Gummi was both timely and instructive, noting that the renowned Islamic scholar played a key role in promoting national unity at critical periods in Nigeria’s history.
According to him, Sheikh Gummi understood the delicate relationship between faith and governance and worked closely with authorities after independence and the civil war to advance unity and peaceful coexistence.
The President described Sheikh Gummi as an exceptional scholar and reformer whose impact went far beyond religious boundaries. “He was a teacher, a reformer, an adviser and a prolific writer who mentored generations to believe in the indivisibility of Nigeria, both in work and in worship,” he said.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Tinubu called on Nigerians to resist narratives that portray the country as hostile to religious freedom. He stressed the need for a collective commitment to national unity and mutual respect.
“Our national security depends on our togetherness and respect for religious diversity. We must stand united against those who seek to divide us,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to protect lives and property and to decisively confront criminality and terrorism across the country. Tinubu disclosed that more than 7,000 trained forest guards have been deployed nationwide to block criminal access to forest corridors, while efforts continue to strengthen community policing through constitutionally guided state policing.
The President added that since the declaration of a national security emergency in November 2025, security operations have been expanded and reinforced in states affected by banditry and terrorism, with greater emphasis on intelligence-led operations.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States, noting that it remains focused on counter-terrorism and civilian protection while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace shared values and peaceful coexistence, describing unity as the bedrock of lasting peace.
The conference was attended by prominent Islamic scholars and leaders, including Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Chairman of JIBWIS; Prof. Shehu Ahmad Galadanci, Chief Imam of Kano State; the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa; Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Gummi; and retired General Abdulkadir Mahmud Gummi, among others.