Senate President. Dr.Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for
a concerted international effort to tackle terrorism, poverty and illegal
migration, even as he described the menace as a global challenge.
Saraki spoke yesterday when a delegation of students of the
Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom, led by Major General Lawrence
Craig visited him at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Responding to an address by the leader of the delegation,
the Senate President, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on
Print Media, Chuks Okocha, said the rising incidence of terrorism, poverty and
illegal migration across the world, constitute a threat to the peace, stability
and wellbeing of humanity irrespective of their countries of residence.
He also called for international support to enable Nigeria
overcome its present economic challenges, and noted that if Africa has to grow,
then Nigeria has to grow as the most populous in the continent.
“When we talk about terrorism, poverty and migration, these
are issues of great importance to us,” he said, asking “how do we address them?
How do we secure our people from the ravages of terrorism, illegal migration
and biting poverty?”
He noted that the manner terrorism, poverty and migration
are tackled will go a long way in deterring the fate of Africa even
though it is the obvious destination where tremendous economic growth is
expected to take place in the next 30 years.
“Whether you talk about economic growth, security
challenges, humanitarian issues, health and education, all these are in Africa.
I think for every other part of the world, we have to come together to make
Africa work. And for Africa to work, Nigeria must work as well,” he said.
He added: “I still believe that a lot can be done in the
fight against terrorism. I think more can be done to support what we have
achieved.
“Illegal migration is another challenge we have. This is
closer to your doorsteps. Many are looking for greener pastures, and that is
the reason why we need to work together more closely,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Major General
Craig, said that they were in Nigeria as part of their study tour of West
Africa, to learn at first hand the efforts being made by the various
governments to ensure stability, security and prosperity in their countries.
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