Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has faulted what she described as the international community’s inaccurate portrayal of Nigeria’s security situation, urging a more balanced and informed understanding of the country’s challenges.
She made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Revd. Justin Welby, held at her office in the State House.
The First Lady stressed that while Nigeria continues to work toward peace and unity across its diverse communities, external actors must support such efforts by avoiding narratives that misrepresent the realities on ground.
“Listening to one side of the story and then concluding is a wrong approach to conflict resolution,” she said.
She thanked the former Archbishop for recognising that Nigeria’s issues are best addressed by Nigerians themselves, who understand the country’s unique social and cultural dynamics.
Mrs. Tinubu also encouraged broader interfaith engagement, suggesting that security agencies be included in such discussions to provide clearer perspectives on efforts already being made to address insecurity.
“Thank you for opening up this interfaith dialogue… you should also invite not just Christians and Muslims but also the Nigerian security agencies,” she added.
The First Lady emphasised that national challenges must be properly contextualised for effective solutions, while commending the Armed Forces for their continued efforts in addressing security threats across the country.
She also called on religious institutions, both within Nigeria and internationally, to promote values that encourage peace, responsibility, and coexistence among citizens.
In his remarks, Rt. Revd. Justin Welby said his visit was aimed at supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and security in Nigeria and to promote interfaith harmony.
He noted that Nigeria remains a key focus of global interfaith dialogue and stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of worship.
Welby disclosed that an interfaith meeting organised by the Global Forum for Peace in Abu Dhabi, under Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, would hold in London next week.
The forum, he said, would bring together 12 Christian and 12 Muslim leaders to develop practical solutions to interreligious conflicts.
“We want to contribute to what President Bola Tinubu is doing to promote peace… all we are after is enduring peace,” he said.
He added that his visit to the First Lady was part of efforts to prepare for the dialogue and ensure meaningful outcomes.
The former Archbishop was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery.
The engagement followed President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, where interfaith meetings and a church service at Lambeth Palace featured among key activities.
On the same day, Senator Tinubu also received the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress under the “Girls in Tech” initiative.
Tijani said the First Lady is expected to host a dinner in Abuja to showcase innovations developed by programme participants.
He also revealed that she has agreed to lead a campaign aimed at expanding internet access in rural and riverine communities across Nigeria.
