ABUJA – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a strong warning against the manipulation of religion to justify violence and intolerance, describing it as a dangerous distortion that must be challenged through knowledge and moral leadership.
She stated that Islamic organisations have a vital role in promoting authentic understanding, supporting inclusive education, and empowering youth with values of tolerance to curb the spread of violent extremism.
The First Lady delivered her message at the opening of the International Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in West Africa and the Sahel, organized by ECOWAS and Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden in Abuja.
Terrorism as an Educational and Developmental Threat
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that terrorism not only undermines national security but also erodes the social and moral fabric of communities, with devastating consequences for education.
“Schools are attacked, teachers displaced, and learning halted, leaving behind a generation at risk of alienation, poverty, and radicalisation,” she stated.
She clarified that the Federal Ministry of Education views terrorism as both a security and a developmental concern. The Ministry is consequently promoting peace education, civic learning, and moral instruction as part of its ongoing curriculum reforms, while also expanding schooling in conflict-affected areas through community-based initiatives.
A Unified Call for Peace and Governance
In his remarks, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdul Fatau Masah, noted that terrorism has attempted to divide people along religious and ethnic lines. He urged unity against this “common enemy” and emphasized the need to strengthen governance, uphold democracy, and promote social cohesion as foundations for sustainable peace.
The Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Sayyidi Muhammad Alqasim Yahaya, echoed the call for unity, stating that Islamic organisations must collaborate to prevent radicalisation and promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
