From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a stronger partnership with the Tijjaniyya Muslim community and other religious networks across Africa to counter violent extremism, promote peace and address the growing security challenges confronting the Sahel and West Africa.
Tinubu, who made the call on Sunday in Kano, said religious communities with deep transnational connections possess significant moral influence that could complement the efforts of governments and regional institutions in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent extremism.
The President spoke in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
He urged religious and spiritual leaders to move beyond preaching and consistently deploy their institutions, networks and influence towards peace education, religious literacy, youth guidance, reconciliation and the prevention of the manipulation of faith for violent purposes.
Tinubu said the extensive reach of the Tijjaniyya Order across West Africa, North Africa and beyond placed the community in a strategic position to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel and other conflict-affected areas.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” the President said.
He added that religious institutions should strengthen advocacy for “peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.”
The President also charged religious leaders to hold political leaders accountable to the principles of justice, responsibility and compassion, while cautioning citizens against turning legitimate grievances into justification for lawlessness.
“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 said.
Tinubu said the appeal had become more urgent given the scale and complexity of the security and humanitarian crises confronting the world, including violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime, conflicts and the manipulation of identity and religion.
He cited a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which put the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide at 117.8 million at the end of 2025.
According to him, the figure underscores the need for spiritual leaders to play a greater role in addressing the grievances, intolerance and identity-based divisions that often provide fertile ground for violent extremism.
“Spiritual leaders guard the frontiers of conscience,” Tinubu said, noting their capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and help dissolve hatred and bitterness within communities.
The President said the Federal Government was particularly interested in working with religious and traditional institutions to deepen grassroots peacebuilding, counter misinformation, promote tolerance and strengthen national cohesion.
He stressed that Nigeria’s strategic position linking West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world made its security and stability critical to the region.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” he said.
Tinubu added that religious communities such as the Tijjaniyya, because of their extensive cross-border relationships, could become important partners in developing an “architecture of social peace” that complements governmental and regional security initiatives.
He said such collaboration should draw on the ethical values promoted by religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He said Nigeria would continue to protect the freedom of citizens to practise their faith while strengthening engagement with religious and traditional leaders in pursuit of peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The Kano gathering brought together the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and several other countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Egypt.
Tinubu described the international turnout as a reflection of the deep roots of the Tijjaniyya tradition in Nigeria, particularly its longstanding contributions to scholarship, spiritual instruction, service and peaceful community life.
He recalled his recent reception of a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity and for the continued relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
The President said the Maulud should also serve as an occasion for Muslims to renew their commitment to the teachings of Islam and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, particularly humility, mercy, wisdom, service and concern for others.
Tinubu paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died in November 2025 and whose foundation played a major role in organising the Maulud.
He described the late scholar as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason,” as well as an advocate of peace and piety.
According to Tinubu, the most enduring way to honour Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi would be to preserve his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.
He commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their roles in hosting the gathering.
The President prayed for the safe return of the international guests and for the acceptance of the prayers and acts of devotion offered during the Maulud.
(The Sun)