By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged Nigerians to reject religious, ethnic and cultural divisions, stressing that the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than a cause of conflict.
Mahmoud said Nigeria was “greater than its religious, ethnic and cultural differences,” and called on citizens to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
She made the call while delivering a goodwill message at an Interfaith Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
This call is contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of State FCT, Mr. Austin Elemue.
The Minister described the gathering as a demonstration of Nigerians’ shared faith in God and their collective commitment to the peace, unity, stability and prosperity of the country.
She said interfaith engagement remained an important instrument for strengthening national cohesion, commending the organisers for creating a platform that promotes understanding, tolerance, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
According to her, religious leaders have an important role to play in shaping attitudes and promoting unity, particularly at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections could heighten tensions.
Mahmoud urged churches, mosques and other places of worship to remain sanctuaries of peace, moral instruction, compassion and national unity.
She also appealed to religious leaders to discourage hate speech, violence, extremism and intolerance, urging them to use their influence to promote peaceful engagement among their followers.
The Minister called on Nigerians to teach the younger generation that the country belongs to everyone, stressing that differences in religion, ethnicity or culture should never be used to justify hatred or division.
She further urged citizens to rise above individual interests and embrace a shared national destiny, saying collective faith, unity and patriotism were critical to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria.
Mahmoud also called for prayers for peace across Nigerian communities, wisdom for leaders, protection for security personnel, opportunities for young people, empowerment of women, care for vulnerable citizens and prosperity for Nigerian families.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to translating the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
In her welcome remarks, the National President of Women Initiative for Family Economy (WIFE) and convener of the programme, Amb. Aisha Abdulkadir Yau, commended religious leaders for their contribution to peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
Yau said peaceful coexistence could be strengthened through sermons and teachings from mosques and churches.
She, however, urged religious leaders to intensify their prayers for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet for the smooth implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
