Dialogue, education, key to harmonious coexistence – Saraki
Adetokunbo Fakeye
President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday said for the country to overcome the myriad of unrest and misrepresentations in its socio-religious space, citizens must embrace education and dialogue in crisis management.
Senator Saraki, according to a statement by his CPS, Sanni Onogu said this when he received the Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Prof. Huseyin Sert and members of the management of the institution in Abuja.
He said that the challenges of misrepresentation of religions pose great danger to peaceful coexistence among the people.
Saraki emphasised that through dialogue, enlightenment and right thinking among the people, Nigeria stands a better chance of overcoming her current security challenges.
He said: “Education is key. The challenge that we have is the issue of misrepresentation of religions. It has been said that the war on terrorism cannot be won on the battle field. It can only be won within the minds. Therefore education and constant dialogue is crucial to changing the extremist views and bringing them in conformity with the interest of the nation.
“So, where there is disagreement, adequate orientation, education and dialogue remain the best options,” he said”
Senator Saraki commended the efforts of Turkish investors in the country. He noted that their engagement and partnership so far are impressive adding that the Senate will continue to do the needful in encouraging and supporting investors in the country with relevant legislations that will make their investments grow and their stay in the country a memorable one.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja, Professor Huseyin Sert said investing in Nigeria has helped his group immensely.
According to him, the improvement witnessed so far in their investment is attributable to the cooperation with Nigerians and the government.
Sert assured that his Group would continue in its charitable activities, medical treatment and nurturing educational institutions established since 2008.
He said: “We have been enjoying wonderful cooperation from Nigerians and we hope to extend our activities to better the lots of the people.”