The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, have called for stronger collaboration among religious leaders to combat extremism, hate speech, and the spread of fake news.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by Archbishop Gallagher to the Sultan at the National Mosque in Abuja, where both leaders reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in promoting peace, national unity, and mutual understanding.
The Vatican delegation included prominent Catholic leaders in Nigeria, among them Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Speaking after the closed-door meeting, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the visit highlighted the commitment of both faith communities to addressing the moral and social challenges confronting society.
He explained that discussions centred on strengthening interfaith dialogue, promoting peaceful coexistence, and encouraging cooperation between Muslims and Christians in efforts to enhance peace and security across the country.
According to Prof. Shehu, both sides recognised that religious leaders have a crucial role to play in fostering unity, discouraging violence, and guiding their followers towards peaceful coexistence.
Archbishop Gallagher described the meeting as fruitful and enlightening, expressing satisfaction with the level of understanding shared by both the Vatican and the Sultan on issues relating to nation-building and the responsibilities of religious leaders.
He noted that the discussions were open and constructive, adding that both parties shared similar views on the need for faith leaders to contribute positively to society by promoting dialogue, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting comes at a time when many countries continue to grapple with the challenges of violent extremism, misinformation, hate speech, and growing social divisions. The leaders stressed that these challenges can only be effectively addressed through sincere dialogue, mutual respect, and responsible leadership.
The visit also followed Archbishop Gallagher’s meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the Nigerian leader reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with the Holy See. President Tinubu also expressed his hope of welcoming Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria in the future.
The engagement between the NSCIA and the Vatican reflects the longstanding tradition of interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. It also demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting peace, religious tolerance, and national development.
As religious and community leaders continue to encourage understanding across faiths, such engagements serve as important reminders that cooperation, respect, and dialogue remain essential tools in building a peaceful and united society.
