Nigeria’s foremost religious leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have said Nigeria was facing challenges, but not reason for citizens to migrate to other countries.
They both spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the fourth quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), with the theme ‘Restoration of Hope in Nigeria’, they noted that despite the several challenges facing the country, Nigerians should not lose hope in the country or resort to emigration.
The Sultan who doubles as the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said he aligns with the CAN president’s efforts to discourage emigration.
He urged the citizens to pray for leaders to take decisions and formulate the right policies that would bring about peace and development. While also cautioning against deliberate efforts that could pull down the system.
The Sultan said Nigeria like other countries was not immune to challenges, adding “that is not enough reason to lose hope in the country and pull down its leadership. It’s important that we know that Nigeria is not as bad as people are painting it. Visit other countries and you see the good in Nigeria.
“We have problems in Nigeria, no doubt. But we are far better than several other countries. So, we have to be patriotic, pray and support our leaders. Let’s not lose hope in Nigeria no matter the challenge. God is not sleeping on matters that concern Nigeria.”
Speaking also, Okoh reassured Nigerians of hope and opportunities in the country as he cautioned against reckless emigration that exposes them to more danger and inhumane treatment than what they were running from.
He said the country was facing insecurity, violence, political tension and economic hardship that had shaken its unity and stability, but he urged those intending to relocate abroad to do adequate research and ask relevant questions to avoid being trapped.
“Nigerians have endured strife and extreme difficulties. Unfortunately, those who could not bear the situation migrated to other nations in search of greener pastures, commonly known as ‘japa syndrome’.
“The solution is not in running away to other countries but in finding ways to restore hope for the citizens in our dear country. Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources more than many nations of the world, but we need to get it right on the management of these resources for the good of all.”
