PRESS RELEASE
By Jija-Bokoti Media
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to speak out consistently against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to promote violence and cruelty.
The President stressed that no authentic act of worship or service to God could be justified through the destruction of innocent human lives. He also called on religious institutions and networks to intensify their efforts in promoting peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral upbringing of young people.
President Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
The event was attended by the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, prominent Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries.The President said religious leaders have a significant role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
He urged them to use their moral authority and networks to condemn the killing of innocent people and to promote peaceful coexistence, justice, compassion and responsible citizenship.
President Tinubu also called on religious leaders to remind political authorities of their responsibility to govern with justice and compassion, while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through peaceful and lawful means rather than resorting to violence. The President noted that the Maulud was being held at a critical period in global affairs, with societies facing numerous challenges, including armed conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate-related shocks, food and energy crises, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crimes and the dangerous manipulation of religious and ethnic identities.
Referencing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), President Tinubu stated that an estimated 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced around the world by the end of 2025.
He therefore emphasised that the intervention and moral leadership of spiritual authorities had become increasingly important in addressing the crises confronting humanity.
According to the President, spiritual leaders have a unique responsibility as “guardians of the frontiers of conscience,” given their ability to heal wounds, address grievances and help communities overcome hatred, bitterness and division.
President Tinubu highlighted the extensive reach of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying its broad spiritual networks and moral influence could contribute significantly to reconciliation, the fight against violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian efforts across the Sahel, West Africa and beyond.
He said the Federal Government recognises the important contributions of religious and traditional leaders to national development, particularly in promoting tolerance, combating misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The President further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region makes the country’s peace and stability important not only to Nigerians but to the wider region.
President Tinubu explained that peace in Nigeria has implications beyond the country’s borders and that religious communities with strong transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can serve as valuable partners in building a broader framework for social peace alongside governments and regional institutions.
He said such cooperation should draw upon the ethical values promoted by religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, self-restraint, service to humanity and respect for the sanctity of human life.
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the religious freedom of all Nigerians, noting that the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
He assured that the government would continue working with religious and traditional institutions to strengthen peace, mutual respect, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
President Tinubu welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other dignitaries who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries to participate in the Maulud.
He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has developed deep roots in Islamic scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
The President also recalled his recent reception of a high-level delegation from the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria, as well as the continued cordial relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
According to him, the Maulud provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their faith, renew their commitment to the teachings of Islam and deepen their love for Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
He highlighted virtues such as humility, mercy, wisdom, service and providing comfort to others as important lessons that should continue to guide adherents.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played an important role in organising the Maulud.
He described the late Islamic scholar as a towering figure whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.
The President recalled that, following Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s death in November 2025, he described him as a teacher, father and voice of moderation and reason, as well as an advocate of peace and piety.
President Tinubu said the most meaningful way to preserve the legacy of the late scholar would be to continue promoting his commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the welfare of society.
The President expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Government and people of Kano State, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency agencies, organisers and volunteers for their contributions towards the successful hosting of the event.
He also thanked the international participants for honouring the occasion with their presence and prayed for their safe return to their respective countries.
President Tinubu concluded by praying that Almighty Allah would accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered during the Maulud and continue to grant Nigeria peace, unity and prosperity.
Signed:
Yomi Odunuga Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
