By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– Nigeria and the Muslim World League (MWL), will on Tuesday convene an international security conference in Abuja, bringing together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to seek practical approaches to peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.
The conference, scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, will focus on the nexus between peace, security and socio-economic development, while promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, said the visit underscored the strong relationship between Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the international community.
He said the conference was coming at a critical period as Nigeria continues to strengthen its national security architecture while implementing reforms and investments aimed at accelerating socio-economic development.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that peace and security remain fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability in Africa.
“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.
Idris said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent.
He noted that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would have a positive influence on West Africa and Africa as a whole.
According to him, the international security conference provides an opportunity for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.
He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque in Abuja.
The Minister also appreciated Sheikh Al-Issa for his continued commitment to promoting peace, dialogue and understanding among different faith communities.
Earlier, Sheikh Al-Issa commended President Tinubu for his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria.
The MWL Secretary General said peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability across West Africa and the wider world.
He said his visit was primarily focused on advancing peace and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the international conference would provide a platform for promoting dialogue and harmony in Nigeria and beyond.
Sheikh Al-Issa also inaugurated the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja and expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that contributed to its establishment.
The international security conference is expected to bring together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues surrounding peace, security, religious harmony and socio-economic development.
