Alleged Genocide: Nigeria not a country of concern – First Lady, CAN youths push back

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has aligned with the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in rejecting claims that Christians are unsafe in the country, following the United States’ decision to list Nigeria 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, acknowledged the organisers for fostering unity and meaningful dialogue at a time when global attention is focused 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,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She reaffirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is strengthening efforts to protect lives and property, adding that the Church remains a key partner in advancing the nation.

“To our Christian youth, I urge you to embrace the truth as your compass. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Champion education as the great equalizer and equip young minds to seek the truth always,” she said.

Earlier, Ambassador Belusochukwu Enwere, National Chairman of YOWICAN and convener of the conference, faulted the U.S. designation, saying it presents a distorted narrative of the country.

“This is a moment that demands not defensiveness, but dialogue; not division, but discernment. Let the truth set us free from narratives that portray us as perpetrators rather than protectors,” Enwere said.

He expressed sorrow over recent killings in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other affected states, stressing that the pain is shared by Nigerians of all faiths.

“Stop the killings of Christians. Stop the killings of Muslims. Stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters. Every Nigerian deserves protection,” he said.

Enwere urged the government and security agencies to adopt a more proactive and decisive approach to security.

“We appeal to you; act now. Strengthen intelligence. Equip our armed forces. Punish collaborators. Protect the people, urban areas, and rural communities. Make security a priority above politics,” he said.

CAN youths also commended the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for driving dialogue and peace-building initiatives within communities affected by conflict, noting that interfaith partnerships remain crucial for national stability.

The three-day conference, organised by YOWICAN, brought together Christian youth leaders, clergy, government representatives, and media professionals to reflect on religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and strategies for strengthening national security.

The post Alleged Genocide: Nigeria not a country of concern – First Lady, CAN youths push back appeared first on Vanguard News.