By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with faith-based organisations as part of efforts to promote national security, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development across the country.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, led by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
According to a press statement issued by Mrs Mary Ali, Head, Press and Public Relations, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said the administration remains focused on nation-building through inclusive governance, strategic reforms, and enhanced internal security, noting that Nigeria has recorded significant progress over the years.
According to the minister, collaboration with religious institutions remains crucial to fostering peace, national unity, and social cohesion, stressing that government cannot achieve sustainable development without the support of key stakeholders.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in areas of mutual interest, including national security, good governance, social cohesion, and initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, Bishop Kukah commended the Federal Government for its responsiveness to issues affecting the Church, particularly the Catholic Church, and praised the Ministry of Interior for maintaining an open-door policy and engaging constructively with religious groups.The cleric reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to partnering with the government in advancing national security, supporting sound public policies, and promoting peace, justice, unity, and national development.I
n his remarks, Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to sustain meaningful engagement with faith-based organisations and other critical stakeholders in pursuit of the nation’s development objectives.The meeting underscored the importance of government-faith partnerships in addressing national challenges and strengthening efforts aimed at building a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
