Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has called on all Nigerians to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the country’s challenges.
Wike, represented by Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat in the FCT, made the call on Friday at a Public Lecture/Special Jummu’a Prayer, held in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
He noted that Nigeria had faced so many challenges since gaining her independence in 1960.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope agenda marked a new beginning for Nigeria.
He also said that the 63rd anniversary could serve as a pivotal moment to begin a new chapter of the country in line with President Tinubu’s agenda.
On the topic of discussion by the guest speaker, ‘Renewed hope in the face of socio-economic challenge in Nigeria: Islamic Model’, Wike underscored the need to key into the agenda to address the nation’s socio-economic challenges.
“I will like to commend the choice of today’s lecture.
“The topic is not only timely but also highly relevant to address a better Nigeria.
“It underscores the importance of addressing the socio-economic challenges our nation faces and, hopefully, would present a new perspective and a renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
According to him, Nigeria is still waxing strong in terms of successes recorded across all sectors of the economy, in spite of numerous plights.
He, however, advised Nigerians to acknowledge the persistent challenges ranging from poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity as tools to revitalise the country and to impact Nigerians positively.
He promised to use his position, as the FCT minister, to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure harmony among citizens and to work hard to actualise the founding fathers’ vision for the country.
“Here in the FCT, we will continue to work hard at promoting national unity, cohesion and tolerance in line with the vision of our founding fathers.”
He also expressed gratitude to the National Council of Islamic Affairs for the choice of the theme for discussion, saying the Council and Islam as a whole have played vital roles to ensure Nigeria’s unity.
“Islamic principles have always played a significant role in our society not only through righteousness but also towards compassion and justice, the value of social justice and charity.
“These are models to address our current socio-economic challenges.
“These values remind us of the importance of caring for the less fortunate and working towards a more enviable society,” Wike said.