By Emma Nnadozie

The World Peace Movement has called on Nigeria to embrace a people-centred approach to national stability, warning that lasting peace can only be achieved when both citizens and leaders prioritise integrity, service, and shared human values above religious and political differences.

Speaking during the Africa Tour 2026 in Abuja, founder of the movement, Sheikh Ahmad Dabbagh, cautioned against rivalry driven by religion or politics, describing it as a major threat to national unity and cohesion.

According to him, “competition rooted in religion or politics undermines unity. What we need instead is a collective commitment to compassion, fairness, and generosity as guiding principles for peaceful coexistence.”

Dabbagh argued that many cases of religious violence across the country are not rooted in genuine faith, but rather in personal interests masked as religious devotion.

“In many instances, sacred texts are distorted to serve hidden agendas. This has led to division, extremism, and setbacks in our collective progress as a nation,” he said.

He urged religious adherents to return to the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ, noting that their messages promote peace, love, and selflessness.

“The original teachings of these great figures emphasise unity and humanity. When properly understood and practised, they can help bridge divides and foster national harmony,” Dabbagh added.

The movement’s Africa Tour, which covers major cities including Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, Kano, and Ekiti, is aimed at advancing a two-fold strategy for peacebuilding across the continent.

Also speaking, a senior figure in the movement, Sheikh Mohammed Mahmoud, highlighted the need to combine humanitarian interventions with efforts that address spiritual and mental wellbeing.

“Peacebuilding must go beyond words. It requires meeting people’s basic needs while also nurturing their inner values and mental health. This dual approach is essential for sustainable peace,” Mahmoud said.

The clerics further linked ethical reorientation to national development, calling for increased investment in education, technology, and the economy as critical drivers of long-term stability and growth.

They maintained that without a deliberate shift towards value-based leadership and inclusive development, efforts to achieve enduring peace in Nigeria may remain elusive.