By Francis Wilfred
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has called on religious and traditional leaders across the country to deepen tolerance, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and promote peaceful coexistence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Akume said faith-based and traditional institutions must take the lead in fostering understanding among citizens and preventing manipulation capable of triggering violence before, during and after the polls.The SGF made the call in Abuja while speaking at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) with the theme “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”
According to a release issued by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume said with the nation approaching the end of the current political and electoral cycle, religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, youth education and peace-building efforts in their communities.
He added that as the 2027 general elections are fast approaching, NIREC has the moral responsibility for strengthening the network of collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, security and protection of lives and property in our communities. Eliminating all forms of manipulation capable of creating division within communities, noting that peaceful elections begin with responsible leadership at the grassroots.“
The world today continues to encounter formidable challenges that are capable of generating conflicts. These challenges are fuelled by lack of understanding, existence of stereotypes, ineffective communication and the weaponisation of identity,” he said.
Akume said government’s responsibility is not to politicise religion or encourage intolerance but to strengthen citizenship, understanding and responsibility among Nigerians.The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis.
He said government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments must be strengthened to protect children and ensure uninterrupted learning. He called on schools, faith communities, universities, media organisations and traditional institutions to work together in raising a new generation of Nigerians who embrace faith, patriotism, humility and peaceful coexistence.Akume said religious leaders remain the conscience of society and must use their influence to resolve conflicts, minimise hatred and promote truth.
He warned against the misuse of religion to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence and bloodshed, insisting that such acts undermine both faith and national unity. The SGF disclosed that the Federal Government had already put machinery in place to support religious and traditional institutions in ensuring peace and security across communities ahead of the elections.
He added that his office would engage further with stakeholders after receiving recommendations from the NIREC meeting. Akume urged participants at the meeting to prioritise literacy in all forms, describing it as central to peace-building, institutional trust, stability and national unity.He expressed optimism that the deliberations of the council would produce practical solutions for strengthening tolerance and national cohesion as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
