Muslim and Catholic Leaders Call for Greater Interfaith Cooperation to Strengthen National Unity
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has warned that rising religious intolerance, hate speech, fake news and moral decline pose serious threats to Nigeria’s unity, peace and national cohesion.
The Sultan made the remarks in Abuja while receiving Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during a meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders in promoting peacebuilding and national development.
Represented by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Sultan stressed the need for both faith communities to deepen dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration in addressing insecurity and other national challenges.
He noted that hate speech has continued to fuel distrust and division among religious groups, while the spread of fake news has heightened tensions and contributed to avoidable crises across the country.
The Sultan also condemned the increasing trend of insulting respected religious leaders, urging Nigerians to promote mutual respect across religious and ethnic divides.
Expressing concern over what he described as a growing moral decline and the rejection of religious values among young people, he called for stronger moral and faith-based education to safeguard the nation’s future.
Speaking after the meeting, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher described the discussions as “very frank and illuminating,” noting that both Muslim and Catholic leaders share common values and responsibilities in promoting peace, religious harmony and the common good.
He expressed confidence that sustained interfaith dialogue and cooperation would strengthen national unity, foster peaceful coexistence and contribute to lasting peace in Nigeria.
IBN News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates.
