Scholars identify dialogue as solution to Nigeria’s problems

Dialogue has been identified as the only workable and practicable weapon in solving crises in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.

This was the submission of various erudite Islamic scholars of the Islamic Youth League of Nigeria, Abuja, at this year’s Ramadan lecture entitled: “The Importance of Dialogue in a Multireligion and Multi-ethnic Society” held at the League’s Mosque premises in Garki Abuja.

In his sermon, the guest lecturer, Prof. Abdul Rahman Oloyede, said violence has never been in the ethics of Islam, Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) to resolve issues.

Prof. Oloyede, who is the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, advocated religious tolerance, understanding and peaceful co-existence in stemming the rising spate of violence in Nigeria.

Earlier, Chairman of the Islamic Youth League, Garki Division, Dr. Aliu Akano, stated that the society’s purpose of choosing the topic was as a result of the prevailing restiveness, insecurity, lack of trust and sometimes hate preaching which are becoming a cankerworm in Nigeria, saying the essence and goal of dialogue is understanding, cooperation and building a positive behavioural change among others for the benefit of the nation.

Doctor Akano emphasised the need for Nigerians to strive, through dialogue, as well as effective and continual participation in the promotion of peace and security at community, state, regional and global levels.

This, he said, would strengthen confidence, reduce security challenges and more over, allow peace to reign.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and member of ongoing National Conference, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, condemned the spate of religion and ethnic intolerance in Nigeria, calling for serious dialogue as a panacea to resolving the lingering crises in the country.

To him, all religions should embrace each other as hatred and intolerance cannot label one as being religious or righteous.