The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Nigerians to explore the avenue of dialogue to resolve the country’s numerous challenges.
Mr Wike said this at a special Jummu’a public lecture/prayer, held in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd independence.
The Minister, represented by Danlami Hayyo, Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, said Nigeria had faced many challenges since independence, but stated that President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda marked a new beginning for the country.
He said the 63rd anniversary would serve as a new beginning for the country in line with Tinubu’s agenda.
Mr Wike, who was the guest speaker, stressed the need to address the nation’s socio-economic challenges on the agenda.
While describing the topic as appropriate, the minister said: “It underlines the importance of addressing the socio-economic challenges facing our nation.
“And, hopefully, it would present a new perspective and an agenda of renewed hope from President Bola Tinubu.
“Nigeria continues to go from strength to strength in terms of successes recorded in all sectors of the economy, despite numerous difficulties.”
He, however, advised Nigerians to recognize the persistent challenges ranging from poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity as tools to revitalize the country and positively impact Nigerians.
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He promised to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure harmony among citizens and work hard to realize the founding fathers’ vision for the country.
“Here at the FCT we will continue to work hard to promote 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 topic of discussion, saying that the council and Islam as a whole had played vital roles in ensuring the unity of Nigeria.
“Islamic principles have always played an important 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 socioeconomic challenges.
“These values remind us of the importance of caring for the less fortunate and working towards a more enviable society,” Wike said.
(YAYA)