By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
President Bola Tinubu has called on faith leaders in Nigeria to continue championing interfaith harmony, denouncing violence and working tirelessly for reconciliation in communities torn apart by conflicts.
The President made the appeal on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, at the opening of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the role of religious leaders in shaping values and building trust among citizens cannot be overemphasised, stressing that faith-based organisations remained a vital bridge for peace, unity, and moral renewal in the country.
The President commended the Catholic Bishops and other clerics across denominations for their consistent efforts in promoting dialogue and tolerance despite Nigeria’s diversity.
According to him, genuine reconciliation and national cohesion can only be achieved when spiritual leaders continue to preach messages of peace and actively discourage extremism, hatred, and divisive tendencies.
Tinubu further assured the gathering that his administration is committed to addressing the root causes of insecurity and social unrest, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality and urged them to complement government efforts by providing guidance to their followers.
“The Catholic Church has been a credible partner in the journey towards national renewal. Your investments in education, health and socal welfare – often in remote and underserved communites – speak louder than words. You have stood with the people in times of hardship, provided comfort in times of grief and raised your voice against injustice and corruption.
“I encourage you to continue speaking truth to power not only to government but to all sectors of society – while also offering constructive solutions that will help us collectively build a nation where integrity, hard work and compassion are the hallmarks of public and private life.’ He said.
The President explained that his administration has already taken bold and decisive steps to stabilise the economy in the face of daunting challenges inherited over the years.
According to him, measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, efforts to unify the exchange rate, and initiatives aimed at curbing leakages in public finances are designed to restore confidence in the system and create a more sustainable economic foundation.
These policies, though demanding sacrifices in the short term, he noted, were necessary to reposition Nigeria on the path of growth and long-term prosperity.
The President further emphasised that beyond stabilisation, his government is working assiduously to attract both local and foreign investments by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, ongoing reforms in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure and carefully structured to deliver enduring benefits that would uplift the lives of citizens and secure a brighter economic future for the nation.
“This administration came into office with a firm commarmert to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions and build a Nigeria that works for all. We have taken bold steps to stabilize the economy, attract investment and implement reforms that will, in due course, yield enduring benefits for our people. We recognize that good governance is not just about economic growth, it is about justice, fairness, transparency, accountability and the dignity of every Nigerian.
“It s also about ensuring that no one is left behind – whether in urban centres or rural communities, whether majority or minonty, whether rich or poor. Our efforts in tackling Insecurity, expanding social investment programmes, strengthening agriculture and revitalizing infrastructure are all geared towards creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to live in peace and fulfil their God-given potential.
“Let me re-assure you all that the Federal Government remains open to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church and other faith-based Organisations in key sectors such as education, healthcare, socal welfare and skills development. Together, we can tackle poverty, reduce inequality and build stronger communties.” He noted.
He further urged the Church to collaborate with the government in advancing civic education, protecting the environment, and empowering young people, so that future generations of Nigerians will gain not only academic knowledge but also the values needed to uphold the moral fabric of society.
