Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on governments, institutions and communities across the world to intensify efforts to combat Islamophobia and protect Muslims from discrimination, hostility and violence.

Guterres warned that growing prejudice against Muslims threatens social cohesion, human rights and peaceful coexistence, stressing that intolerance against any group undermines the foundations of inclusive societies.

He made the appeal in a message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.

According to the UN chief, the world’s nearly two billion Muslims come from diverse cultures, languages and traditions, reflecting the richness and diversity of humanity.

He noted that Muslim communities contribute significantly to global development through education, commerce, science, culture and public service in many countries.

However, Guterres said many Muslims still face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

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“These worrying trends are fuelled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and outright hate, which can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship,” he said.

The UN chief warned that unchecked hate speech, misinformation and stereotypes could deepen divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence among different faiths and cultures.

He urged governments worldwide to take concrete steps to address religious discrimination, protect freedom of belief, and combat hate speech in line with international human rights law.

According to him, national laws and policies must guarantee equal rights and protection for everyone regardless of religion, belief, ethnicity or background.

Guterres also called on technology companies and online platforms to strengthen their response to digital hate campaigns targeting religious communities.

He said social media companies must act responsibly by removing harmful content and preventing harassment based on religion or belief.

“All people must speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it,” he said, warning that silence in the face of hate allows prejudice to spread and undermines collective efforts to build tolerant societies.

The UN chief further recalled that in May 2025 he appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

According to him, the envoy’s role is to strengthen global cooperation and coordinate international efforts aimed at addressing anti-Muslim discrimination and promoting religious tolerance worldwide.

Guterres said the UN has also launched several initiatives, including the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, to tackle online incitement, misinformation and hostility directed at religious communities.

“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to equality, human rights and dignity for every person, regardless of faith,” he said.

“Let us eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.”

Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Leadership as APC Counters Opposition Poverty Claims

Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his performance across key sectors of governance, describing the administration’s efforts as broad and impactful. Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, made the remarks after paying a courtesy visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to reporters, Gowon said: “I came to see him and to thank him for all the good works that he’s doing for the country. We have to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise.” He added that Tinubu appears to be addressing national challenges “all round”, spanning political, economic, social, and security sectors.

On security, Gowon acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s situation but expressed confidence that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the nation’s safety and stability. “The major problem that we have today, the security area, he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of all Nigeria,” he said, emphasising that leadership requires balancing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Gowon also expressed optimism about the government’s handling of current national challenges, stating: “The government is handling it the best it can to ensure that Nigeria, in the end, achieves the peace that it deserves, that it requires and it deserves.” His endorsement reflects his standing as a respected elder statesman and a voice of national reconciliation.

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APC Fires Back at ADC Over Poverty Claims

On the same day, the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded to claims by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) that Nigeria’s poverty rate had surged to 63 per cent, calling the assertions misleading. The ADC based its claims on an Agora Policy dialogue report, which indicated a rise from 49% to 63%.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed the opposition’s claims, describing them as ignorant of President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms. He defended the administration’s fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange harmonisation, stating that these reforms were necessary to correct long-standing structural issues and curb corruption and border smuggling.

Morka acknowledged that the reforms had caused short-term hardship but emphasised positive economic indicators under Tinubu’s leadership. These include 4.4% economic growth in 2025, projected 5.5% expansion this fiscal year, foreign reserves surpassing $50 billion, declining inflation rates, and non-oil exports exceeding $6 billion. The APC also highlighted ongoing social protection initiatives, such as cash transfers, student loans, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects, aimed at cushioning citizens while strengthening household resilience.

The party accused the ADC of offering no tangible policy alternatives, asserting that Nigerians are too discerning to be swayed by empty opposition attacks.

Gowon’s endorsement and APC’s defense of Tinubu’s reforms underscore the administration’s efforts to navigate complex economic, security, and social challenges, while responding to criticisms from opposition parties.

Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Leadership as APC Counters Opposition Poverty Claims

Calls Intensify for Tinubu Govt to Scrap NYSC Amid Rising Insecurity

Pressure is mounting on the Bola Tinubu-led government to suspend or scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program due to escalating insecurity that has left corps members vulnerable across Nigeria. Reports of kidnappings, attacks, and threats against young graduates participating in the scheme have reignited public debate over the safety of the program.

The NYSC program, designed to promote national integration and social cohesion, now faces scrutiny as parents, civil society groups, and human rights organizations raise concerns about the risks posed to graduates deployed to volatile areas.

Haruna Danjuma, national president of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTA), urged the government to reconsider the NYSC if it cannot guarantee the safety of corps members. He said the current security situation makes it “painful to lose a child” and called for governors and security agencies to provide formal assurances before graduates are posted to any state. Danjuma stressed that it is not easy to train a child from birth until university only for them to face life-threatening risks during NYSC. He emphasized that the Federal Government must ensure the safety and welfare of these young graduates, warning that if it cannot, the NYSC program should be scrapped because its value is defeated.

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Isa Sanusi, executive director of Amnesty International Nigeria, echoed parents’ fears, criticizing the NYSC management for allegedly leaving families to negotiate with kidnappers. He emphasized that the organization has a duty to ensure the security and wellbeing of corps members throughout their service year. Sanusi explained that NYSC mobilized these young people and therefore their safety should remain the organization’s responsibility until the end of the program. Leaving parents to pay ransom or risk their children’s lives, he said, is irresponsible.

The debate has intensified following the abduction of Musa Abba, a corps member from Gusau, Zamfara State, in January while traveling to Sokoto to begin service. Abba, a graduate in plant science and biotechnology from the Federal University Gusau, was reportedly beaten by bandits after his family could not meet the N10 million ransom demanded. Videos circulated online showing Abba alive but in captivity have fueled national outrage, highlighting the dangers corps members face while serving in high-risk areas.

Civil society groups and youth advocates are now calling for urgent action regarding the NYSC. They are demanding a temporary suspension of the program until security improves, posting corps members only to safe and low-risk areas, and implementing enhanced security measures, including police or military escorts. Some advocates are even urging the permanent restructuring or scrapping of the scheme, arguing that the risks currently outweigh the benefits.

Families and community groups across Nigeria are voicing deep concern over the welfare of young graduates participating in the NYSC. Many question whether the program’s goals of fostering national unity are still viable given the rising threats from bandits, kidnappers, and criminal gangs. As insecurity persists, pressure on President Tinubu’s government continues to grow, with calls for urgent action to protect corps members and safeguard Nigeria’s youth.

Calls Intensify for Tinubu Govt to Scrap NYSC Amid Rising Insecurity