President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday challenged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to rise against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He urged religious leaders to forcefully and consistently oppose the manipulation of religion to justify violence, saying that no genuine service to God could be advanced through the killing of innocent people.
The President urged religious institutions to deploy their considerable influence and networks in promoting peace, justice, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
Tinubu made the call in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
The President told World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries that faith leaders have a critical responsibility to confront extremism, violence and the exploitation of religion for destructive purposes.
In a statement by Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu urged religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy and scholarship, while paying greater attention to the moral formation of young people.
The statement reads: “Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty.
“Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence.
“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that the gathering was taking place at a consequential period in human history, when societies across the world were grappling with conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy crises, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and increasingly dangerous manipulation of identity and religion.
Citing a report by the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees, Tinubu said that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, arguing that the magnitude of contemporary global challenges had made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly indispensable.
According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” and possess the capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and dissolve deep-seated hatred and bitterness within societies.
He said the Tijjaniyya community, with extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, possesses relationships and moral capital that could be deployed towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, guiding young people and strengthening humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel, West Africa and the wider world.
Tinubu said the Federal Government recognises the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that Nigeria’s strategic location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world meant that its stability had implications beyond its borders. NigerianEconomic Updates
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.
Tinubu explained that such partnership should harness the ethical resources of religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life, for the common good.
Describing Nigeria’s diversity and plurality as strength, the President assured that the Federal Government would continue to protect the freedom of Nigerians to practise their faith while deepening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
He welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order and scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.
Tinubu described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition had established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
According to him, a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya was recently received at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for peace, unity and prosperity, as well as the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
According to the President, the Maulud provided adherents with an opportunity for reflection, renewal and recommitment to the teachings of Islam, the love of Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, particularly the virtues of humility, mercy, wisdom, service and giving comfort to others.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud, describing him as one of the towering figures whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.
He recalled describing the late Islamic scholar, following his death in November 2025, as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”
The President said the most enduring monument that could be built in honour of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi would be the preservation of his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government and people, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their roles in the successful hosting of the event.
