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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has charged religious leaders across the country to use their influence to prevent hate speech, violence and extremism, warning that places of worship must not become platforms for division.
Mahmoud made the call in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at an interfaith prayer session for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
The minister urged churches, mosques and other places of worship to remain sanctuaries of peace, moral instruction, compassion and national unity as the country moves towards another election cycle.
She said religious leaders had a critical responsibility to shape public attitudes and promote peaceful coexistence, particularly in a period when political activities could heighten ethnic, religious and political tensions.
Mahmoud called on Nigerians to strengthen interfaith cooperation and national solidarity, stressing that the country’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity should be viewed as an asset rather than a source of conflict.
“Nigeria is greater than its religious, ethnic and cultural differences,” she said, urging citizens to resist attempts to exploit those differences for hatred or division.
The minister described the prayer gathering as a demonstration of Nigerians’ shared faith and collective desire for peace, stability and prosperity.
According to her, prayer has remained an important part of Nigeria’s national life, particularly during periods of uncertainty and at moments when the country faces significant challenges or opportunities.
She commended the organisers for creating a platform for Christians and Muslims to come together, describing interfaith engagement as an important tool for promoting tolerance, understanding and national cohesion.
Mahmoud also appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for President Tinubu and members of his administration as they implement economic and development reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the Federal Capital Territory Administration remained committed to translating the administration’s vision into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
The minister further urged parents, religious leaders and other stakeholders to teach young Nigerians that the country belongs to all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity or cultural background.
She called for prayers for peace across communities, wisdom for political leaders, protection for security personnel, greater opportunities for young people, empowerment of women and improved welfare for vulnerable Nigerians.
Mahmoud urged citizens to place national interest above individual and sectional interests, saying collective faith, unity and patriotism were necessary for building a peaceful and prosperous country.
Earlier, the convener of the programme and National President of Women Initiative for Family Economy (WIFE), Aisha Yau, commended religious leaders for their contributions to peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
Yau noted that messages delivered from churches and mosques had played an important role in promoting peaceful relations among adherents of the two major faiths.
She, however, urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for President Tinubu, members of his cabinet and the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The interfaith prayer session brought together religious leaders and other stakeholders to pray for peace, unity, security, good governance and prosperity in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
