Nigeria's Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged religious leaders and faith-based organisations to deepen interfaith collaboration to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity, and economic development. This call was made when he received a delegation of the Community and Youth Development National Network at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The organisation focuses on youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence, and leadership development.
The Community and Youth Development National Network is a coalition of Islamic religious bodies with an interfaith platform involving Christian leaders and other stakeholders. Shettima commended the group's composition, noting that its members possess the intellectual capacity, influence, and moral standing to shape public attitudes and promote national cohesion. He encouraged the delegation to sustain engagement with Christian leaders and other religious stakeholders.
Shettima stressed that dialogue and cooperation are essential to building trust across religious and social divides. He urged the delegation to be partners in Nigeria's national progress, remain undeterred and focused, and ensure that whatever binds the nation supersedes that which divides it. The Vice-President described Nigeria as a collective responsibility and a shared national heritage that requires the loyalty and service of all citizens.
On the economy, Shettima acknowledged the difficulties associated with President Bola Tinubu's administration reforms but expressed confidence that they are laying the foundation for improved economic performance and greater prosperity. He urged religious and community leaders to promote public understanding of government policies, encourage constructive engagement, and support initiatives aimed at improving citizens' welfare.
The delegation, led by the network's National Coordinator and Vice Chairman II, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance, youth development, and peaceful coexistence. The organisation stressed the need for stronger cooperation among religious groups and other stakeholders to advance national stability, responsible leadership, and inclusive development.
Shettima's call for interfaith collaboration comes at a time when Nigeria faces various challenges, including economic and security concerns. The Vice-President's emphasis on collective responsibility and national heritage underscores the need for unity and cooperation among Nigerians. By working together, the nation can address its challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
The meeting between Shettima and the Community and Youth Development National Network highlights the importance of collaboration between government and faith-based organisations. The Vice-President's engagement with the delegation demonstrates the administration's commitment to promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, and economic development through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Key points
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima urges religious leaders to support President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms.
- Shettima commends the Community and Youth Development National Network's composition and encourages sustained engagement with Christian leaders.
- The Vice-President emphasises the need for collective responsibility and national heritage to promote national unity and cooperation.
