Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the global community to develop a more accurate understanding of the country’s security challenges, warning that misrepresentation could hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace.
She made the remarks while receiving Justin Welby at her office, where both leaders discussed pathways to strengthen interfaith harmony and national stability.
Tinubu stressed that while Nigeria continues to confront complex security issues, the international community must avoid one-sided narratives and instead support ongoing peace-building efforts.
According to her, understanding the country’s unique context is critical to offering meaningful solutions.
She stated, “Listening to one side of the story and then concluding is a wrong approach to conflict resolution,” while also commending the former Archbishop for promoting interfaith dialogue initiatives.
The First Lady further urged that Nigeria’s security agencies be included in such engagements to provide a comprehensive perspective on efforts being made to tackle insecurity.
She also praised the nation’s armed forces for their commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding the country.
In addition, Tinubu called on religious institutions globally to promote messages that encourage moral conduct and peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, Welby said his visit was aimed at supporting peace and interfaith dialogue efforts in Nigeria, noting that the country remains a symbol of religious freedom despite its challenges.
He disclosed that an interfaith dialogue meeting, convened by the Global Forum for Peace under the patronage of Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, will take place in London.
According to him, the forum will bring together 12 Christian and 12 Muslim leaders to foster mutual understanding and develop solutions to interfaith conflicts, not only in Nigeria but globally.
Welby, who was accompanied by Richard Montgomery, stated, “We want to contribute to what Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing to promote peace. All we are after is enduring peace,” adding that his visit was to help ensure the dialogue achieves its objectives.
The meeting comes weeks after President Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, during which interfaith dialogue featured prominently on the First Lady’s itinerary, including engagements at Lambeth Palace.
Meanwhile, the First Lady also received Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress made under the ministry’s Girls in Tech programme.
Tijani told journalists after the meeting that a dinner would be hosted in Abuja to showcase innovations developed by participants.
He also revealed that the First Lady has agreed to serve as the face of a campaign aimed at expanding internet access in rural and riverine communities.
