World Peace Movement urges Nigeria to prioritise people-centred approach to stability
The World Peace Movement has called on Nigeria to adopt a people-centred strategy to strengthen national stability, stressing that enduring peace is anchored on integrity, service, and shared values rather
The World Peace Movement has called on Nigeria to adopt a people-centred strategy to strengthen national stability, stressing that enduring peace is anchored on integrity, service, and shared values rather than religious or political affiliations.
The appeal was made in Abuja by the organisation’s founder, Sheikh Ahmad Dabbagh, during its Africa Tour 2026.
Dabbagh warned against rivalry driven by religion or politics, describing it as a major threat to national cohesion.
“Competition rooted in religion or politics undermines unity. What is needed is a collective commitment to compassion, fairness and generosity as guiding principles for peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He further contended that many incidents of religious violence in the country are often fuelled by personal interests cloaked in faith.
“In many instances, sacred texts are distorted to serve hidden agendas, leading to division and extremism,” he added.
Dabbagh urged adherents of different faiths to embrace the foundational teachings of Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ, noting that their messages emphasise peace, love and unity.
The Africa Tour, which includes visits to Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, Kano and Ekiti, forms part of the movement’s broader initiative to advance peacebuilding efforts across the continent.
Also speaking, a senior member of the group, Sheikh Mohammed Mahmoud, emphasised that sustainable peacebuilding must integrate humanitarian interventions with initiatives that address mental and spiritual wellbeing.
“Peacebuilding requires meeting people’s basic needs while also nurturing their inner values and mental health,” he said.
The clerics linked ethical leadership to national development, calling for increased investment in education, technology and the economy to support long-term stability.
They warned that without value-based leadership and inclusive development, efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Nigeria may not succeed.
