President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to interfaith harmony, national cohesion, and global partnerships for peace as he received His Excellency Professor Andrea Riccardi at the Presidency.
While welcoming Prof. Riccardi, alongside the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni and other important government dignitaries, the President described Nigeria as a pluralistic nation with over 220 million citizens and more than 250 ethnic nationalities coexisting within a pluralistic democratic framework.
He emphasised that Islam and Christianity, alongside indigenous traditional belief systems, collectively shape the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, making diversity a source of strength.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, who received the delegation on behalf of President Tinubu, outlined steps taken by the Federal Government to strengthen counter-terrorism frameworks, including the Terrorism Prevention Act and its amendments, enhanced intelligence coordination, improved prosecutorial capacity, and reinforced inter-agency collaboration.
These kinetic efforts are complemented by non-kinetic measures such as deradicalisation programmes, community engagement, and socio-economic stabilisation initiatives.
Speaking earlier, the founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Professor Andrea Riccardi noted that Nigeria’s strength lies far beyond its natural resources or demographic advantages, saying it represents a living example of how ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity can coexist within one national framework.
He described the coexistence of Islam and Christianity as a “miracle of unity in diversity” while reaffirming that the Community of Sant’Egidio remains committed to supporting peacebuilding and interfaith engagement initiatives across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government for strengthening engagement with the Christian community, particularly on matters of national importance such as security, peacebuilding, and interfaith relations.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between government, faith leaders, and international partners would continue to strengthen unity, security, and nation-building efforts across Nigeria.
Speaking also, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama emphasised that sustained dialogue remains the most effective pathway to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, criminality, and social tensions.
He also highlighted his longstanding collaboration with the Community of Sant’Egidio, acknowledging the organisation’s global reputation in peacebuilding, humanitarian outreach, and interreligious dialogue.
The meeting had in attendance the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters, Alhaji Jamiu Abiola; Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Prof. Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokwua and other important entourage of Professor Andrea Riccardi.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
