Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has emphasized the importance of religious leaders promoting peace and tolerance in Nigeria. On September 24, 2026, he made the appeal while receiving members of the Niger State Imams Forum and other Islamic organizations on a condolence visit to the Government House in Minna. The visit was to commiserate with the governor and the people of the state over the tragic death of 37 artisanal miners.
The governor appreciated the Islamic leaders for their visit and urged them to continue preaching peace to ensure better understanding and unity among citizens. He advised them to remain apolitical and focus on advocating for peace, while working to curb societal ills by encouraging Nigerians to be God-fearing in their interactions. Bago also sought their continued prayers for the state and the country, assuring them that with divine intervention, Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
Bago acknowledged that parts of Niger State are facing security challenges and called on religious leaders to intensify their prayers for peace and unity. He urged them to promote brotherly love among Nigerians, regardless of their differences, and to remain steadfast in seeking divine intervention. The governor's appeal comes amid efforts to address various security concerns in the state and promote national unity.
The leader of the delegation, Malam Umar Faruk Abdullahi, Director-General of the Bureau for Religious Affairs, explained that the visit was to condole with the governor and the people of the state over the loss of the 37 artisanal miners. He described the incident as devastating to all Nigerians and reminded the governor that Allah tests the faith of His servants in different ways. Abdullahi urged Bago to see the incident as a test that would eventually pass, making the state stronger in all spheres.
Abdullahi encouraged the governor to remain strong in faith and not to be deterred by the challenges facing the state. He advised Bago to hold firmly to the remembrance of Allah, whom he described as the Guardian of all mankind. The delegation's visit was aimed at offering support and encouragement to the governor during this difficult period.
The Chief Imam of Minna, Malam Jibril Isah, led a prayer session for the deceased and for the peace and unity of the state and the country. The prayer session was a gesture of solidarity with the governor and the people of the state, and a call for divine intervention in the face of the current challenges. The event demonstrated the important role of religious leaders in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.
The Niger State Government has been working to address various challenges facing the state, including security concerns and economic development. The governor's appeal to religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance is part of these efforts. Key initiatives include promoting interfaith dialogue, encouraging peaceful coexistence, and supporting economic development programs.
Key points
- Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on religious leaders to continue preaching peace and tolerance to foster unity and development in Nigeria.
- The governor made the appeal while receiving members of the Niger State Imams Forum and other Islamic organizations on a condolence visit over the death of 37 artisanal miners.
- Bago emphasized the importance of religious leaders promoting peace and tolerance to ensure better understanding and unity among citizens.
