2027: Shettima urges religious leaders to rally support for Tinubu’s reforms, warns against forces of division

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged religious leaders and faith-based organisations to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying national development requires collective responsibility and unity across religious and social divides.

Shettima, who made the call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, also tasked religious leaders with deepening interfaith collaboration to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen national cohesion and address the country’s economic and social challenges.

Receiving a delegation of the Community and Youth Development National Network, led by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Shekarau, the Vice President said religious leaders had a critical role in shaping public attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship and building trust among communities.

He urged the group to ensure that the issues uniting Nigerians outweighed their differences, stressing that the country’s progress depended on the commitment of all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation.

“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,” he said.

“This nation must be seen as a collective responsibility, a collective patrimony which deserves all our loyalty and service.”

Shettima expressed confidence in the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, describing them as necessary to address longstanding structural challenges and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

While acknowledging the difficulties associated with the reforms, he maintained that they were laying the foundation for improved economic performance and greater prosperity.

He called on religious and community leaders to help citizens understand the reforms, encourage constructive engagement with government policies and support initiatives designed to improve their welfare.

The Vice President commended the network for bringing together people with intellectual capacity, influence and moral standing, saying they could play a significant role in promoting national unity and positive social values.

“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.

Shettima specifically urged the organisation to sustain its engagement with Christian leaders and other stakeholders, noting that dialogue and cooperation were essential to building trust and preventing religious differences from undermining national stability.

The Community and Youth Development National Network is a coalition of Islamic religious organisations focused on youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence and leadership development. It also operates an interfaith platform involving Christian leaders and other stakeholders.

Earlier, Shekarau outlined the organisation’s commitment to religious tolerance, youth development and peaceful coexistence, emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among religious groups and other stakeholders to advance national stability, responsible leadership and inclusive development.

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