President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Africa to intensify their efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu made the appeal in Kano during his goodwill message at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The President urged religious leaders to use their influence and extensive networks to promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that no genuine religious teaching could justify the destruction of innocent lives.
He called on religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” Tinubu said.
He also urged religious leaders to promote justice, responsibility and compassion while encouraging citizens to resolve legitimate grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu said the Federal Government recognised the important role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The President described the gathering as particularly significant amid growing global challenges, including armed conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate and food crises, energy shocks, violent extremism and transnational crimes.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian challenges confronting the international community.
He said the situation made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important in promoting peace and stability.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the extensive reach of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying its spiritual networks and moral influence could contribute significantly to reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth mentorship and humanitarian efforts.
He urged the Tijjaniyya Order and other religious organisations to deploy their networks towards strengthening peace and addressing the drivers of violence across the Sahel, West Africa and beyond.
The President reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to working with religious and traditional institutions to promote national unity, security, tolerance and sustainable development.
