Northern muslims, christians lauds YOWICAN-NACOMYO peace accord, Seyi Tinubu

The Northern Muslims/Christians for Peace and Progress Initiative has applauded the historic peace accord signed between the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO).

The group, in a statement made available to Blueprint, signed by its National Coordinator, Amb. Bukar Al-Amin, described the agreement as a significant step towards strengthening Christian-Muslim understanding, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and responsible democratic participation in Nigeria, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative also commended Barr. Seyi Tinubu for championing the peace initiative and supporting efforts aimed at bridging religious and social divides in the country.

According to the group, Tinubu’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and national progress above religious differences deserved recognition, describing his recognition as a Christian Youth Peace Ambassador as “timely and fitting.”

The statement noted that the recognition reflected the need to encourage a new generation of Nigerians who would see the country’s religious diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

The group said the peace accord goes beyond being a mere document, stressing that it represents a shared commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to reject religious intolerance, hate speech, political violence and the manipulation of religion for destructive purposes.

It added that the agreement sends a strong message that Christians and Muslims can hold different political views while remaining committed to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

“The accord itself commits both youth bodies to interfaith tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible participation while rejecting political violence,” the statement said.

The Northern Muslims/Christians for Peace and Progress Initiative further pledged to support efforts to take the principles of the accord from the national level to the six geopolitical zones, states, local government areas, communities, churches, mosques and grassroots.

The group said it was ready to collaborate with YOWICAN, NACOMYO, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders to promote religious tolerance, peaceful political participation and a smooth democratic process before, during and after the 2027 elections.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faiths may be different, our political choices may differ, but our future is shared,” the statement added.

The initiative maintained that “peace is the foundation of progress, tolerance is the bridge to unity, and dialogue is the pathway to a stronger Nigeria.”

It therefore commended all those who contributed to the peace initiative and urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace its message and become ambassadors of peace in their communities.