Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been accused of bigotry on multiple occasions, has spoken on the need to raise generations of youths that are devoid of religious extremism and bigotry, and urged the Abu Dhabi Forum to continue to target the young people who are the promise of the future.
According to President Buhari, the country’s youths are its promise for a better future and solving their problems must be the priority of the government.
He stated this while welcoming the Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the U.S. who came to visit him in Washington D.C., where he is attending the ongoing U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
The Nigerian President told the duo that the work of the foundation in promoting multi-faith dialogue was as important to the world as it was to Nigeria.
“Your work is very important in helping, especially the youth, to understand one another and at the same time, to be proud of their heritage. This great initiative by you will help future generations to plan well and live together in peace.
“On our part, we will continue to solve our problems, especially as they relate to the youths. We are big in size and population, facing many challenges, but in many areas, we are trying. In seven-and-a-half years, I have done my best,” President Buhari declared.
Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah said they had come to inform the President, and to invite him to attend the conferment upon him, the Abu Dhabi Foundation’s award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in promoting peace and security.
The Secretary General said the conferment was in line with the Foundation’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.
