Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has lamented that children cannot learn in an atmosphere of fear, stressing that literacy cannot be achieved if schools are threatened.
In a statement, signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, disclosed that the SGF made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja.
“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat.”
In the face of various security challenges, the targeting of schools by insurgent groups and kidnapping of schoolchildren, Akume raised alarm that “A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat.”
The statement dated 6 May 2026 indicated that he noted that “The 2027 general elections are fast approaching and NIREC, through our traditional and religious leaders, faith-based organisations and youth associations, has the moral responsibility for strengthening the network of collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, security and protection of lives and property in our communities.”
Akume also stated that “The world today continues to encounter formidable challenges that are capable of generating conflicts. These challenges are fuelled by lack of understanding, existence of stereotypes, ineffective communication and the weaponisation of identity.”
Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. Credit: LEADERSHIP Media Group.
Integration of Religious literacy with media/information literacy
At the meeting, which had the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion,” the SGF maintained that, “Religious literacy must therefore be accompanied by media and information literacy; the discipline to verify before sharing, to question before reacting, and to reject falsehood, hate speech and incendiary narratives.”
Akume said faith-based and traditional institutions should be collaborators in fostering understanding among citizens as well as preventing violence before, during and after the elections.
Citing the recent launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute by Nigeria and UNESCO, the SGF recommended that Nigeria should be trained to verify information and jettison all forms of falsehood that divide society.
Akume described religious leaders as the conscience of society, urging them to utilise their influence in conflict resolution, promoting truth and minimising hatred.
He assured that the Nigerian Government has put in place machinery to support religious and traditional institutions to ensure peace and security in various communities ahead of the polls.
Religion must not be misused to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence, bloodshed
The scribe warned against the misuse of religion to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence and bloodshed, stressing that actions are contrary to faith and national unity.
He noted that the onus lies on schools, faith communities, universities, media organisations and traditional institutions to collaborate in creating awareness about young Nigerians embracing faith, patriotism, humility and peaceful coexistence.
He urged participants to prioritise literacy in all forms, which he describes as key to peace-building, institutional trust, stability and national unity, adding that his office would facilitate an engagement with stakeholders upon the recommendation of the resolutions reached at the NIREC meeting.
The SGF maintained that since the nation is moving towards an electoral year, religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to unite the country, educate the youth, and preach peace in their communities.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of Yomi Odunuga.
