Shettima seeks deeper interfaith collaboration for peace, national unity

By Egena Sunday Ode

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for deeper collaboration among religious leaders and faith-based organisations to strengthen peaceful coexistence, national unity and collective efforts towards economic development.

Shettima said religious leaders have critical roles in fostering understanding across communities, promoting responsible citizenship and mobilising support for initiatives aimed at addressing social and economic challenges.

He spoke on Thursday when he received a delegation of the Community and Youth Development National Network at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The organisation is a coalition of Islamic bodies dedicated to youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence and leadership development, with an interfaith platform comprising Christian leaders and other stakeholders.

Commending the group, the Vice President described its members as people of intellectual capacity, influence and moral standing who could shape public attitudes and promote cohesion.

“A look around the composition of the membership of this group shows men and women of values, people who have the intellectual capacity and candour to shape narratives, acceptability and positive spiritual and moral conduct of Nigerians,” he said.

He urged the delegation to sustain engagement with Christian leaders and other stakeholders, stressing that dialogue and cooperation remain essential to building trust.

Shettima also appealed to the group to support Federal Government’s efforts to address economic challenges, noting that national development requires shared responsibility.

“I urge you to be partners in our national progress. Remain undeterred and focused, and let us ensure that whatever binds us supersedes that which divides us. This nation must be seen as a collective responsibility, a collective patrimony which deserves all our loyalty and service,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as necessary to address structural challenges and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who is National Coordinator and Vice Chairman II of the Network, outlined the organisation’s commitment to religious tolerance, youth development and peaceful coexistence.

Shekarau emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation among religious groups and stakeholders to promote stability, responsible leadership and inclusive development.