Oluremi Tinubu Meets Justin Welby, Advocates Balanced Global View on Nigeria’s Security Challenges

Oluremi Tinubu Meets Justin Welby, Advocates Balanced Global View on Nigeria’s Security Challenges

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for a more accurate global understanding of Nigeria’s security situation, emphasizing the need for balanced narratives to support effective solutions, during a meeting with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in Abuja.

The First Lady made the remarks while hosting the former Archbishop in her office, where discussions centered on promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering national unity. She stressed that misrepresentation of Nigeria’s challenges by the international community could undermine ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability.

According to her, resolving conflicts requires a holistic understanding of local realities, noting that drawing conclusions from one-sided narratives often hampers meaningful progress. She also urged that security agencies be included in interfaith engagements to provide broader perspectives on efforts being made to address insecurity.

Senator Tinubu commended Nigeria’s Armed Forces for their continued sacrifices and dedication in tackling security challenges across the country. She further called on religious institutions globally to promote values that encourage peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct among citizens.

In his remarks, Welby said his visit was aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance peace and reinforce Nigeria’s image as a nation that upholds freedom of worship. He disclosed that a high-level interfaith dialogue is scheduled to take place in London, under the auspices of the Global Forum for Peace, with participation from Christian and Muslim leaders.

He explained that the dialogue would bring together equal representation from both faiths to encourage mutual understanding and develop practical solutions to interfaith tensions, not only in Nigeria but globally.

Welby added that the initiative aligns with the peacebuilding efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the goal is to achieve sustainable interreligious harmony. He was accompanied on the visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.

The meeting comes weeks after the President’s state visit to the United Kingdom, where interfaith discussions formed part of official engagements attended by the First Lady.

Girls in Tech Programme Update

In a related development, the First Lady also received the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress made under the Girls in Tech programme.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the minister disclosed that plans are underway for a special dinner in Abuja to showcase innovative solutions developed by participants in the programme.

He also revealed that the First Lady has agreed to serve as the face of a new campaign aimed at expanding internet access and digital connectivity in rural and riverine communities across Nigeria.