The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has called on religious and traditional leaders across Nigeria to promote tolerance, strengthen grassroots peace efforts, and support national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akume made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held at Rockview Hotel, with the theme “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He stressed that faith-based and traditional institutions have a critical role in preventing manipulation and misinformation that could trigger violence before, during, or after elections.
According to him, as Nigeria approaches a new electoral cycle, religious and traditional leaders must take responsibility for strengthening collaboration, youth education, and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching and NIREC, through our traditional and religious leaders, faith-based organisations and youth associations, has the moral responsibility for strengthening the network of collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, security and protection of lives and property in our communities,” he said.
The SGF warned against stereotypes, misinformation, and identity-based divisions, noting that such factors often fuel conflict when combined with political and economic manipulation.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity makes religious literacy essential for national cohesion, adding that understanding different beliefs and practices is key to building trust and sustaining peace.
Akume also highlighted the growing importance of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence among religious groups.
He further expressed concern over insecurity in the education sector, particularly attacks on schools and disruptions to learning, warning that such conditions undermine national development.
“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.
Akume also called for stronger integration of religious literacy with media and information literacy, urging citizens to verify information before sharing and reject hate speech and misinformation.
He urged schools, faith communities, universities, media organisations, and traditional institutions to work together to build a generation grounded in peace, patriotism, and mutual respect.
Akume assured that the Federal Government has put mechanisms in place to support religious and traditional institutions in promoting peace and security ahead of the elections, and that further engagements will follow the council’s recommendations.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would yield practical solutions to strengthen tolerance and national unity as Nigeria moves toward 2027.