The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on traditional rulers and religious leaders to actively discourage all forms of division, extremism, hate speech and discrimination, while promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
Sanusi made the call at the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue and the unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report, themed “Strengthening the Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions as Key Agents of Social Cohesion.”
The event was organised by the African Polling Institute (API) with support from the Ford Foundation in Abuja.
Represented by Muktar Bello, the Emir stressed the urgent need to strengthen social bonds, build public trust and promote peaceful coexistence across all segments of Nigerian society.
In his remarks, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, represented by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Onamba, advocated the integration of traditional and religious institutions into governance.
He proposed statutory representation for the institutions in legislative assemblies and the establishment of a dedicated ministry or parastatal to coordinate their roles in nation building.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the African Polling Institute (API), Prof. Bell Ihua, said the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey builds on four previous editions conducted in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025.
According to him, the 2026 Social Cohesion Index stands at 48.8 per cent, representing a two percentage point increase over the 2025 index.
He said the improvement reflects an upward trend and demonstrates Nigerians’ resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence despite prevailing challenges.
The event also featured panel discussions on social cohesion, while the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report was officially unveiled. Plaques were presented to selected dignitaries in recognition of their contributions to promoting national unity and social cohesion.
