President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritising interfaith dialogue and promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among Nigeria's diverse religious communities.
Tinubu made this statement while receiving in audience the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, at his residence in Abuja on Saturday. According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said interfaith dialogue is the only path to addressing the country's security challenges.
The single sharpest fact is that President Bola Tinubu believes interfaith dialogue is the key to resolving Nigeria's security issues, and he has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising it.
Tinubu told the Archbishop that he had a long and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, especially during his time as governor in Lagos. He said he strongly supports the Church's contributions to education and health. The President said this belief led him to prioritise returning mission schools to religious institutions as soon as he became governor. The schools were taken over during the previous military administrations.
Tinubu also highlighted his government's efforts in promoting peace, particularly through military initiatives. He assured the Archbishop that the Nigerian military has made significant progress in recent times and remains committed to sustaining these achievements. He stated that more resources are being allocated to security, with intensified surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.
The cleric described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and home to some of the most successful activities of Bishops on the continent. He commended President Tinubu's efforts in promoting peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged continued dedication.
Archbishop Gallagher informed President Tinubu that he looks forward to receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See in a few weeks and assured him that this visit would be the first of several special visits from the Holy See.
The ex-Lagos governor said he strongly supports the Church's contributions to education and health. The President said this led him to prioritise returning mission schools to religious institutions as soon as he became governor.
The Nigerian government is investing in the youth to prevent their exploitation by terrorists and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation. According to Tinubu, this initiative is critical in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
It is worth noting that President Tinubu's administration has been working to strengthen ties with international partners, including the Holy See.
Tinubu assured the Archbishop that his government is also investing in the youth to prevent their exploitation by terrorists and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation.
The Archbishop shared his impressions of Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja, noting its remarkable progress.
In his speech, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See, noting that Nigeria is very strategic to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic community.
He also conveyed Pope Leo XIV's appreciation for President Tinubu's presence at his inauguration. He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for bishops and for its responsiveness to the Church's various needs.