By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in rejecting claims that Christians are unsafe in Nigeria, following the United States’ designation of the country as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over alleged religious persecution.
Speaking at the National Christian Youth Leaders Conference on Monday in Abuja, the First Lady, represented by Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, praised the organisers for promoting unity and dialogue amid global attention on Nigeria.
“The truth liberates us, heals wounds, and binds us in fellowship. Let us choose harmony over division and stand against every form of religious bigotry or ethnic intolerance,” she said, reaffirming that the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to protecting lives and property while partnering with the Church to advance the nation.
She urged Christian youth to champion education, seek the truth, and embrace unity as a guiding principle.
Earlier, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, National Chairman of YOWICAN and convener of the conference, criticised the U.S. designation, describing it as a distorted portrayal of Nigeria.
“This is a moment that demands dialogue, not defensiveness; discernment, not division. Let the truth set us free from narratives that portray us as perpetrators rather than protectors,” Enwere said.
He expressed concern over recent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other states, stressing that the suffering is shared by all Nigerians regardless of faith. “Stop the killings of Christians. Stop the killings of Muslims. Stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters,” he said.
Enwere urged the government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence, equip the armed forces, punish collaborators, and prioritise protection for urban and rural communities.
CAN youths also commended the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for fostering dialogue and peace-building initiatives, emphasising that interfaith partnerships are essential for national stability.
The three-day conference, organised by YOWICAN, brought together Christian youth leaders, clergy, government representatives, and media professionals to discuss religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and strategies for strengthening national security.
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