By Francis Wilfred
President has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith harmony, national cohesion, and global partnerships for peace as he received at the Presidential Villa.
Prof. Riccardi, founder of the , was accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, , and other dignitaries.
Welcoming the delegation, President Tinubu described Nigeria as a pluralistic nation of over 220 million people and more than 250 ethnic nationalities coexisting within a democratic framework. He noted that Islam, Christianity, and indigenous traditional belief systems collectively shape the country’s cultural and spiritual identity, making diversity a source of strength.
According to a statement by Dewan Nengak Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, , who received the delegation on behalf of the President, outlined measures taken by the Federal Government to strengthen counter-terrorism frameworks.
These measures include the Terrorism Prevention Act and its amendments, enhanced intelligence coordination, improved prosecutorial capacity, and reinforced inter-agency collaboration. The government, he said, has also complemented kinetic operations with non-kinetic initiatives such as deradicalisation programmes, community engagement, and socio-economic stabilisation efforts.
In his remarks, Prof. Riccardi stated that Nigeria’s strength lies beyond its natural resources and population size, describing it as a living example of how ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity can coexist within one national framework. He described the relationship between Islam and Christianity in Nigeria as a “miracle of unity in diversity” and reaffirmed Sant’Egidio’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding and interfaith engagement initiatives in the country.
President of the (CAN), , expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for sustained engagement with the Christian community on issues of security, peacebuilding, and interfaith relations. He voiced confidence that continued collaboration between government, faith leaders, and international partners would strengthen national unity.
Also speaking, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, , emphasised that dialogue remains the most effective means of addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity and social tensions. He acknowledged Sant’Egidio’s global reputation in peacebuilding, humanitarian outreach, and interreligious dialogue.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters, Alhaji Jamiu Abiola; and representatives of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), including Prof. Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokwua.
