… Sheikh Al-Issa: Nigeria’s Peace, Stability Critical to West Africa, Global Security
By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria and the Muslim World League will on Tuesday convene an international security conference in Abuja, with religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders expected to deliberate on peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.
The conference, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, will focus on the nexus between peace, security and socio-economic development, as well as strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and adherents of other faiths.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the international community.
According to the Minister, the conference is coming at a critical period as Nigeria strengthens its national security architecture while implementing reforms and investments designed to accelerate socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that peace and security remain fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability, as well as that of Africa.
“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.
The Minister noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, has a major responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent.
He added that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would have a positive impact on West Africa and the wider African continent.
Idris said the international conference would provide religious leaders and other stakeholders with an opportunity to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to promoting peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.
He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among different faith communities.
Earlier, Sheikh Al-Issa commended President Tinubu for his efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.
He stressed that peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability in West Africa and the wider world.
The Muslim World League Secretary General said his visit was primarily centred on peace and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the international conference would provide a significant platform for advancing dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding in Nigeria and beyond.
He also inaugurated a newly constructed mosque in Gauda, Abuja, while expressing appreciation to individuals and organisations that contributed to its establishment.
The international security conference is expected to bring together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss practical pathways towards peace, security and national cohesion.
Among dignitaries who attended the event were the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, among others.
