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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has described the church and the entire Body of Christ in Nigeria as a critical ally in the socioeconomic and political growth and development of Nigeria.
The First Lady, represented by Salamatu Gbajabiamila, the Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, stated this at the Christian Youth Leaders’ Conference organised by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), in Abuja, on Monday, on the theme “Let the Truth Set You Free”.
The First Lady, in her address, urged Christian communities in Nigeria and people of other faiths to be conscious of efforts by some foreign and local “enemies” to destabilise the country by promoting a religious discrimination agenda.
She said: “As Christians, we are called not just to reflect on this truth but to live by it. These times call for love, enhanced unity and fervent prayers. Let us choose harmony over division, be our brother’s keeper, and stand against every form of religious bigotry or ethnic intolerance.
“The theme of the conference reminds us of our Lord Jesus Christ, who taught us clearly that truth liberates us, heals wounds and binds us in fellowship with Him and with one another.”
She stated that the federal government has redoubled its commitment to the security of lives and property, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda, to build a united, resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
“I want to remind you all that the church is an ally in nation-building. Our pulpits, our prayers, and programmes are the incubators of the moral regeneration Nigeria needs.”
She challenged Christian youths to embrace the truth as their compass. “Speak it boldly against the lies of division. Use your platforms on social media, campus fellowships, and your community outreaches to amplify stories of love, unity and resilience.
“It’s important you know that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Champion education as the great equaliser and equip young minds to seek the truth always. Let this be our guiding principle. I pray that Nigeria will continue to rise, stronger, more united, and prosperous.”
YOWICAN National Chairman Belusochukwu Enwere, in his address, said the conference was a national call-to-conscience, describing it as a reminder that truth is the foundation upon which a safe, just, and prosperous nation is built.
He said: “This conference is focused on a matter that touches the soul of our beloved Nigeria, the recent designation of our country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald Trump of the United States, citing concerns over the killings of Christians.
“This is a moment that demands not defensiveness, but dialogue; not division, but discernment. And in the spirit of our theme, let us commit to letting the truth illuminate our path forward.
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“First, let’s acknowledge the pain that lingers in our hearts. The loss of any life, Christian, Muslim, or otherwise, is a wound on the Body of Christ and a scar on the conscience of humanity.
“We stand on behalf of millions of Christian youths across the country to say, stop the killing of Christians. Stop the killing of Muslims. Stop the killing of all Nigerians.
“Every life matters. Every Nigerian deserves protection. No citizen should be abandoned to the weapons of criminals.
“We weep with the families in Plateau, Benue, and across the country who have buried loved ones too soon. We mourn the shepherds slain in their fields, the congregations scattered by violence, and the innocent dreams shattered by the shadows of banditry and extremism.
“As Christians, we do not turn a blind eye to these atrocities. No! Rather, we stand resolute, echoing the psalmist’s cry. We fear no evil because we confront it head-on, with the full might of our resolve and resources. Yet, my dear brothers and sisters, let the truth set us free from the distortions that fuel such designations.
“This CPC label, while well-intentioned in its concern for religious freedom, ignores the multifaceted reality of Nigeria’s journey toward peace. It overlooks the deliberate, tireless efforts of Mr President and his administration to safeguard every citizen, regardless of creed.
“To our leaders and security commanders, we appeal that you act now! Strengthen intelligence. Equip our armed forces. Punish collaborators. Protect the people, urban areas and the rural communities. Make security a priority above politics.
“Let us not be discouraged, let us not be divided, let us not lose hope. Let us sue for peace and tranquillity in our land. The transformation plan to address root causes will not be as an excuse, but as a proactive bridge to reconciliation.
“Moreover, we are aware that the government is championing interfaith harmony. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), co-chaired by Christian and Muslim leaders, has mediated ceasefires in volatile communities, fostering dialogues that echo the prayer of Jesus.”
He, thus, challenged other Christian youth leaders to organise town hall meetings in their locations, where pastors and Imams could pray side by side; launch digital campaigns exposing the humanity in every victim; and amplify the stories of resilience, from the Benue farmer who now tills his land in safety to the Kaduna church that thrives under protection.
Meanwhile, leaders of other Christian youth groups made a recommitment to the cause of political and religious tolerance, unity, and love in Nigeria.
