First Lady Tinubu Engages Former Archbishop Welby on Peace and Dialogue in Nigeria
Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need for a more balanced global understanding of the country's challenges, asserting that accurate perspectives are crucial for developing effective solutions. She made these remarks during a meeting with the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at her office in Abuja.
Call for Fair Portrayal and International Support
Mrs Tinubu highlighted that ongoing efforts to promote peace and harmony among Nigeria's diverse groups require robust support from the international community. She stressed that this support should begin with a fair and nuanced portrayal of the nation's security situation, rather than relying on one-sided narratives.
"Listening to one side of the story and drawing conclusions is not the right approach to conflict resolution," she stated, urging for a comprehensive view that includes all stakeholders.
Commendation and Broader Initiatives
During the meeting, Tinubu commended Welby for his stance that Nigeria's challenges are best addressed by Nigerians, who possess a deeper understanding of the country's complexities. She also praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and commitment to national security.
Furthermore, she called for interfaith initiatives to be expanded to include security agencies, providing a holistic perspective on efforts to tackle insecurity. Additionally, she urged religious institutions worldwide to promote values that encourage responsible living.
Welby's Peacebuilding Mission and Upcoming Dialogue
In his response, Justin Welby explained that his visit aimed to support peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria and reinforce the country's reputation as a nation that upholds freedom of worship. He disclosed plans for an interfaith dialogue involving Christian and Muslim leaders, scheduled for next week in London under the auspices of the Global Forum for Peace, Abu Dhabi, led by Sheikh Abdallah Bin Baya.
"We want to contribute to what President Bola Tinubu is doing to promote peace. Our goal is enduring peace," Welby said, noting that the forum will bring together 12 Christian and 12 Muslim participants to foster mutual understanding and develop practical solutions to interfaith conflicts, both in Nigeria and globally.
Context and Additional Engagements
The meeting occurred just a month after President Tinubu's state visit to the United Kingdom, where the First Lady participated in interfaith engagements, including a church service at Lambeth Palace. Welby was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.
In a separate engagement, Tinubu also received the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress under the ministry's Girls in Tech programme. The minister later announced that the First Lady will host a dinner in Abuja to showcase innovations developed by participants in this initiative.
