First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday called for renewed prayers for Nigeria, urging divine intervention to touch the hearts of those perpetrating violence, terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.

She prayed that individuals responsible for bloodshed and insecurity would experience genuine repentance, renounce violence and embrace peaceful coexistence, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved when lives are transformed and communities are united.

The First Lady made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, at his palace in Sokoto, where discussions centred on peace, national unity and the collective responsibility of leaders to foster harmony across the country.

Senator Tinubu said Nigeria’s current challenges require not only government action but also sustained prayers and moral guidance from respected traditional and religious leaders, whose influence remains vital in promoting tolerance, reconciliation and national cohesion.

She expressed profound appreciation to the Sultan for his consistent support, fatherly counsel and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the monarch as a voice of moderation and national unity whose interventions have continued to inspire confidence across the country.

Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between their families, the First Lady said the visit was both a gesture of gratitude and an opportunity to reaffirm the administration’s respect for the traditional institution and its role in promoting peace and stability.

She noted that the Sultan has, over the years, remained a dependable statesman who offers honest advice on issues affecting national development, adding that such guidance has been invaluable to the Tinubu administration.

Responding, the Sultan underscored the need for leaders and citizens alike to continue seeking God’s intervention over the nation’s security and socio-economic challenges.

He said while security agencies were working to confront criminal elements, spiritual efforts through prayers should not be neglected.

The revered monarch echoed the First Lady’s call, praying that those who have chosen the path of violence would undergo genuine transformation, abandon criminality and become responsible members of society.

The Sultan also commended Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing it as one of the most impactful humanitarian interventions in recent years.

He said the initiative has reached millions of Nigerians through programmes supporting women, children, youths, elderly citizens and other vulnerable groups, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, praised the First Lady’s visit and lauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for complementing government efforts to improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

He described the intervention programmes as people-focused and capable of strengthening families and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged citizens.

The visit concluded with special prayers led by Islamic clerics for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, the Sultan, the Sokoto State Governor and for enduring peace, unity and prosperity across the federation.