Traditional leaders under the Ancient Religious Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) have called on all Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, to place peace and national unity above all else.

In a New Year message, ARSADIC President Aare (Dr.) Ifagbenusola Atanda emphasized that Nigeria’s strength lies in its cultural and ethnic diversity, urging citizens to practice tolerance and commitment to the nation’s well-being.

He noted that as the country with the largest concentration of black people in the world, Nigeria should recognize its economic power and strategic importance in Africa. ARSADIC also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation to be blessed with wisdom in tackling pressing challenges such as security and economic issues.

The group stressed that for 2026, all regions of Nigeria must pursue common development goals, highlighting that national cooperation will bring peace and accelerated progress.

Congratulating the Federal Government on last year’s achievements across various sectors, ARSADIC expressed hope that 2026 will surpass 2025 in prosperity and stability.

ARSADIC, a platform for indigenous African spirituality since 1795, called on the government to promote unity and discourage divisive politics and religious intolerance. They further urged religious leaders to work together, stressing that national survival depends on collective action and a shared voice on critical issues.