First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Pushes Interfaith Dialogue, Digital Inclusion Agenda in High-Level Meetings With Welby, Tijani

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for more balanced global understanding of Nigeria’s security and social challenges, insisting that misrepresentation of the country’s realities could hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace.

She made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during separate high-profile engagements with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Revd Justin Welby, and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who both visited her office on official and programme-related assignments.

During her meeting with Welby, the First Lady stressed the importance of accurate perspectives in addressing Nigeria’s complex security and interfaith tensions, noting that sustainable solutions must come from within the country with support—not mischaracterisation—from the international community.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s peace-building efforts require collaboration and trust, particularly among religious groups and security stakeholders.

“Listening to one side of the story and then concluding is a wrong approach to conflict resolution,” she said.

Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to the former Archbishop for advocating an inclusive approach to dialogue, while urging that security institutions also be actively involved in such engagements.

“Thank you for opening up this interfaith dialogue. It is important that Christians, Muslims, and even security agencies are part of the conversation to understand what is being done on the ground,” she added.

The First Lady also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what she described as their continued sacrifices and efforts in confronting insecurity across the country, while urging religious leaders globally to promote messages that encourage peace and moral responsibility.

In his remarks, Rt. Revd Justin Welby said his visit was part of ongoing efforts to support interfaith peace initiatives linked to Nigeria’s religious landscape and broader global stability concerns.

He noted that a forthcoming interfaith dialogue session, convened by the Global Forum for Peace in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, would bring together Christian and Muslim leaders for structured discussions aimed at addressing conflict drivers.

According to him, the initiative is designed to foster mutual understanding and practical solutions to religious tensions, not only in Nigeria but globally.

“We want to contribute to what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing to promote interfaith peace. The goal is enduring peace,” he said.

Welby was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.

Digital Inclusion, Girls in Tech Initiative

In a separate engagement, the First Lady also received the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress made under the ministry’s Girls in Tech programme.

The initiative, aimed at expanding opportunities for young women in technology and digital innovation, has recorded increased participation across various states, according to the minister.

Following the briefing, Tijani announced plans for a showcase event in Abuja where beneficiaries of the programme will present innovations and tech-based solutions developed through the initiative.

He also disclosed that Senator Tinubu has agreed to support and serve as a key advocate for a broader campaign focused on expanding internet access and digital connectivity, particularly in rural and riverine communities.

The engagements come weeks after President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom, where interfaith discussions and a church service at Lambeth Palace formed part of broader diplomatic and peace-building engagements involving the First Lady.