Nigerian govt ‘ll continue to partner with religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration's continued partnership with religious leaders to foster peace, harmony, and tolerance across Nigeria's diverse religious communities. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Tinubu emphasized that interfaith dialogue is the essential path to resolving the nation's security challenges. During a meeting with Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Tinubu recounted his strong relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as governor of Lagos. He noted his support for the Church's significant contributions to education and healthcare, recalling his decision to return mission schools to religious institutions after they were taken over by previous military administrations. Tinubu expressed his respect for Pope Leo XIV's global efforts toward peace and stated his anticipation of hosting the Pope in Nigeria. He urged religious leaders to persist in preaching peace and tolerance, stressing the importance of spiritual engagement. The President also highlighted his government's commitment to guaranteeing freedom of worship, pointing to his wife's role as a pastor in an evangelical church as evidence of religious inclusivity. Furthermore, President Tinubu assured Archbishop Gallagher of the Nigerian military's progress in tackling security issues, noting increased resource allocation and intensified surveillance. He also detailed efforts to invest in youth programs to prevent radicalization and exploitation by terrorists. Archbishop Gallagher acknowledged Nigeria's strategic importance to the Catholic Church, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

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I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote World Peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria.