Nigeria hosted a high-level roundtable meeting of Muslim and Christian leaders focused on Religion and Building Social Harmony, attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa.
According to SPA, the meeting aimed to strengthen joint efforts to safeguard the national fabric across religious and ethnic diversity and prevent conflicts.
The participation of Al-Issa is part of the MWL Initiative for Social Peace in West Africa and the outcomes of a recent conference. This included the Abuja Declaration, which was adopted by religious leaders from various denominations and religions under the patronage of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event resulted in the signing of an initial package of agreements, including a memorandum of understanding between the MWL and Nigeria’s Interfaith Mediation Centre. A coordinating body for religious and civic leaders and institutions in West Africa will oversee the implementation of these memoranda and the commitments of the Abuja Declaration. This body will work to ensure objectives are achieved and conduct periodic assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of the roundtable meeting in Nigeria? The high-level roundtable meeting attended by MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa focused on Religion and Building Social Harmony. The gathering sought to strengthen joint efforts among Muslim and Christian leaders to prevent conflicts and safeguard the national fabric across the religious and ethnic diversity found within Nigeria.
What agreements were reached during the meeting in Nigeria? The meeting resulted in the signing of an initial package of agreements. This included a memorandum of understanding between the Muslim World League and Nigeria’s Interfaith Mediation Centre, alongside other agreements aimed at implementing the MWL’s Initiative for Social Peace in West Africa.
What is the role of the coordinating body for religious and civic leaders in West Africa? The coordinating body will oversee the implementation of the signed memoranda of understanding and all commitments under the MWL’s Initiative for Social Peace in West Africa. As set out in the Abuja Declaration, the body will ensure effective implementation of commitments and perform accurate periodic assessments of their objectives.