*Photo R-L: Senator George Akume,l and Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder*
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has said Nigerians remain resolute in their determination never to relive the horrors of war, stressing that the Federal Government is deepening efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion across the country.
Akume spoke in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder, who visited him alongside the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iscopo Foti, and other officials.
The visit was to formally invite the SGF to participate in an international peace gathering scheduled to hold in Italy in October, where world religious and political leaders will discuss strategies for fostering peaceful coexistence and bridging religious divides.
Speaking during the meeting, Akume highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to peacebuilding through inclusive governance and national unity, noting that despite occasional security challenges, Nigeria has continued to make progress in strengthening social harmony and combating insurgency.
“Since the civil war, Nigerians have made up their minds never to experience war again. While we may have frictions arising from our differences, we are collectively working towards peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity,” Akume said.
The SGF acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of the country but maintained that sustained government interventions had significantly weakened terrorist and insurgent groups.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working round the clock with all stakeholders to end the barbaric killings and attacks on our citizens. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is also driving economic recovery and ensuring that every segment of the population is carried along in the nation’s development process,” he added.
Akume expressed appreciation to the Community of Saint Egidio for its global commitment to peace, humanitarian service and spiritual growth, and welcomed opportunities for collaboration with international partners in advancing peace and development.
Earlier, Prof. De Volder said the Community of Saint Egidio, which has operated globally for 53 years and in Nigeria for 26 years, was founded on the principles of Prayer, Poor and Peace, describing the organisation as a bridge-builder among communities and a champion of support for vulnerable populations.
He commended Nigeria’s resilience and said his personal experience of the country differed significantly from the negative narratives often portrayed on social media and in international news reports.
According to him, the forthcoming gathering in Italy will bring together leaders from different faiths and political backgrounds to explore practical ways of fostering peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly divided world.
De Volder expressed hope that Senator Akume would attend the event alongside other religious and political leaders from Nigeria, noting that the country’s experiences in managing diversity and promoting coexistence would enrich discussions at the global forum.
The SGF accepted the invitation and pledged his participation in the October event, while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships aimed at promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.