At the gracious invitation from the Muslim World League (MWL), H.E. Professor Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), participated in the proceedings of the conference entitled “Diversity and Social Peace: Partnership for a Promising Future.” The conference was organised by the MWL in cooperation with Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Nigeria, under the esteemed patronage of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The conference was held in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on 28-29 Safar 1448 AH, corresponding to 11-12 August 2026, and brought together a number of prominent religious and political figures. Accompanying His Excellency was Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Director of the Department of Planning, Development, International Cooperation and Archives at the Academy.
During the conference, His Excellency delivered a statement in which he emphasised the importance of strengthening social cohesion, unity, and peace in Nigeria, across Africa, and throughout the world. He commended the excellent organisation of the conference and highlighted the significance of its themes in light of the growing political and social challenges facing the international community.
H.E. the Secretary General further stressed that moderation is a fundamental principle that should be translated into practical reality within societies. He pointed to Nigeria’s rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity and called upon religious leaders to fulfill their responsibilities in promoting pluralism and respect for diversity, thereby contributing to the spread of peace and harmony among all segments of society.
He added that Nigeria possesses the necessary attributes to serve as a source of inspiration for Africa and the wider world in managing diversity and strengthening social cohesion. He underscored the importance of concerted efforts to foster a culture of dialogue, coexistence, and mutual respect.
At the conclusion of its deliberations, the conference issued the “Abuja Declaration,” affirming that religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity constitutes a source of civilizational enrichment rather than a cause of conflict and division. The declaration emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among religious leaders, governmental institutions, and civil society organizations to promote peace and social cohesion.
The declaration also reaffirmed that religion, in its essence, is a message of mercy and peace, and that religious leaders bear the responsibility of highlighting the authentic values of faith traditions while rejecting their exploitation for inciting conflicts or justifying violence and extremism. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of inclusive national dialogue as an effective means of addressing the root causes of tension, strengthening trust among diverse religious and ethnic communities, and fostering a culture of partnership in service of nations and societies.
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