The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in rejecting claims that Christians are unsafe in the country. This comes after the United States added Nigeria to its list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ due to alleged religious persecution.
Speaking at the National Christian Youth Leaders Conference in Abuja on Monday, the First Lady was represented by Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the President’s Chief of Staff. She commended the organisers for promoting unity and meaningful dialogue at a time when global attention is focused on Nigeria.
“The truth liberates us, heals wounds, and brings us together. We should choose harmony over division and oppose all forms of religious or ethnic intolerance,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
She also emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on protecting lives and property, noting the Church’s key role in national development.
“To our Christian youth, I encourage you to let truth guide your actions. A divided house cannot stand. Promote education and equip young minds to always seek the truth,” she added.
Earlier, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, National Chairman of YOWICAN and conference convener, criticised the U.S. designation, calling it a misleading portrayal of Nigeria.
“This is a time for dialogue, not defensiveness; for discernment, not division. Truth should free us from narratives that wrongly portray us as perpetrators instead of protectors,” Enwere said.
He also expressed sadness over recent killings in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other affected states, stressing that the loss of life affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
“Stop the killings of Christians. Stop the killings of Muslims. Stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters, and every citizen deserves protection,” Enwere said.
He urged the government and security agencies to be proactive and decisive in ensuring safety.
“We appeal to authorities to act immediately: improve intelligence, strengthen our armed forces, punish collaborators, and protect both urban and rural communities. Security must come before politics,” he added.
CAN youths further praised the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for fostering dialogue and peace-building in conflict-affected areas. They highlighted the importance of interfaith partnerships for national stability.
The three-day conference, organised by YOWICAN, gathered Christian youth leaders, clergy, government officials, and media professionals to discuss religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and strategies to strengthen national security.