Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger collaboration among religious leaders and faith based organisations to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity and Nigeria’s economic development.

Shettima made the call on Thursday when he received a delegation of the Community and Youth Development National Network at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote understanding across communities, encourage responsible citizenship and mobilise support for initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s social and economic challenges.

The Vice President described religious leaders as important partners in building national cohesion, noting that their moral authority and influence could help shape public attitudes and strengthen peaceful relations among Nigerians.

He commended the composition of the organisation, saying its members possessed the intellectual capacity, values and influence needed to promote positive narratives and responsible conduct.

“ A look around the composition of the membership of this group shows men and women of values, people who have the intellectual capacity and candour to shape narratives, acceptability and positive spiritual and moral conduct of Nigerians,” he said.

Shettima also urged the group to deepen its engagement with Christian leaders and other religious stakeholders, stressing that sustained dialogue and cooperation were essential to building trust across religious and social boundaries.

He said national unity required Nigerians to prioritise their shared interests above their differences, urging the delegation to support the Federal Government’s development agenda.

“I urge you to be partners in our national progress. Remain undeterred and focused, and let us ensure that whatever binds us supersedes that which divides us.

This nation must be seen as a collective responsibility, a collective patrimony which deserves all our loyalty and service,” the Vice President said.

On the economy, Shettima expressed confidence in the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as necessary measures to address longstanding structural challenges and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

Although he acknowledged the difficulties associated with the reforms, he maintained that they were laying the groundwork for improved economic performance and greater prosperity.

He called on religious and community leaders to help promote public understanding of government policies, encourage constructive engagement and support initiatives designed to improve citizens’ welfare.

Earlier, the delegation’s leader, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, National Coordinator of the Community and Youth Development National Network and the organisation’s Vice Chairman II, reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance, youth empowerment and peaceful coexistence.

The organisation, a coalition of Islamic religious bodies, also operates an interfaith platform involving Christian leaders and other stakeholders to promote cooperation across religious and social boundaries.

The delegation stressed the importance of stronger partnerships among religious groups and other stakeholders in advancing national stability, responsible leadership and inclusive development.