Remi Tinubu faults global narratives on Nigeria’s security, seeks inclusion in interfaith talks

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the international community to desist from portraying what she described as misleading narratives about the country’s security situation, insisting that a balanced and factual understanding is crucial to resolving ongoing challenges.

She made the call on Wednesday while receiving Justin Welby at the State House in Abuja, ahead of a global interfaith dialogue scheduled to take place in London.

According to the First Lady, external interpretations of Nigeria’s security issues often lack context and risk undermining efforts toward lasting peace. She emphasised that accurate perspectives are necessary for meaningful international support.

“The world must get the right perspective of the various challenges in the nation to be able to proffer appropriate solutions,” she said, warning against drawing conclusions based on one-sided narratives.

Mrs Tinubu also advocated for the inclusion of Nigerian security agencies in interfaith dialogue platforms, arguing that their firsthand experience is critical to understanding the realities on ground.

She further pushed back against claims that Nigeria’s security challenges are purely religious or ethnic in nature, noting that such generalisations oversimplify complex issues and may hinder conflict resolution efforts.

Commending the role of faith institutions, she called on religious leaders globally to promote moral values that encourage peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, Welby described his visit as part of preparations for the forthcoming interfaith dialogue, which he said aims to foster deeper understanding between Christian and Muslim leaders worldwide.

“We want to contribute to what Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing to promote peace. All we are after is enduring peace,” he said.

He disclosed that the London dialogue would bring together equal representatives from both faiths to encourage dialogue, mutual listening, and the development of practical solutions to religious conflicts.

The visit also coincided with a separate meeting between the First Lady and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress made under the Girls in Tech initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerian women with digital skills.

Mrs Tinubu’s position comes amid ongoing global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, with the government repeatedly calling for a more nuanced and evidence-based portrayal of developments within the country.

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