Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has declared that Nigeria remains firmly committed to ensuring the country never returns to the horrors of war, reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion through inclusive governance and sustained international partnerships.
 
Akume gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder, who led a delegation that included the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr Iscopo Foti, on a courtesy visit.
 
The delegation formally invited the SGF to participate in an international peace conference scheduled for October in Italy, where political and religious leaders from across the world will deliberate on strategies for peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.
 
Speaking during the meeting, Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fostering national unity while addressing security challenges through sustained military operations, inclusive governance and socio-economic reforms.
 
He stressed that the painful lessons of the Nigerian Civil War continue to shape the country’s collective resolve to preserve peace and national stability.
 
“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,” the SGF said.
 
Acknowledging the security challenges confronting parts of the country, Akume maintained that government interventions had continued to degrade the capacity of terrorists and insurgent groups.
 
According to him, Tinubu is working tirelessly with security agencies and other stakeholders to restore peace across the country while implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda to stimulate economic recovery and ensure inclusive national development.
 
“President Bola 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 said.
 
The SGF commended the Community of Saint Egidio for its longstanding contributions to global peacebuilding, humanitarian service and interfaith dialogue, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration with international partners in advancing peace and sustainable development.