The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said the manipulation of religion to justify violence and intolerance is a distortion that must be challenged through knowledge, engagement, and moral leadership.
Mrs. Tinubu said this yesterday at the maiden West Africa Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, with the theme: The Role of Islamic Organisation in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.
The conference was organised by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with an Islamic organisation in Nigeria, Jam’iyyatu Ansarideen.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the First Lady noted that the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism across Africa and the Sahel not only undermines peace and national security but also erodes the social and moral fabric of communities.
She said it also disrupts access to education, especially for children and youths in the affected areas.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that while the Federal Government was confronting the threats, it was crucial to recognise that Islam, like all great faiths, preaches peace, justice, compassion and knowledge.
“The manipulation of religion to justify violence and intolerance is a distortion that must be challenged through knowledge, engagement, and moral leadership,” the First Lady said.
“Here, Islamic organisations have a profound role to play by promoting authentic religious understanding, supporting inclusive education and empowering youths with values of tolerance and coexistence, and standing as vital partners in the prevention of violent extremism.”
Senator Tinubu said the five key thematic areas chosen for the conference resonate well with what Nigeria is doing on almajiri education.
She said the Federal Government has developed a policy on almajiri, which examines the challenges in almajari education, ways and solutions to eradicate those challenges.
Mrs. Tinubu said the conference provided a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration between governments, third-party organisations, and educational institutions.
“Together we can advance a regional strategy that strengthens community resilience, rebuilds trust, and ensures that the voices of moderation and knowledge prevail over those of hatred and ignorance.
“Let us remember that the fight against violent extremism is not only a battle of arms, but also a battle of ideas and education. A battle of ideas and education remains our strongest weapon,” she added.
