The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Unity

  • Ethnic champions are threatening Nigeria’s unity—Shehu Sani

    Ethnic champions are threatening Nigeria’s unity—Shehu Sani

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Mallam  Shehu Sani said Friday that ethnic champions with passion for violence were  threatening the corporate existence of the nation.

    Such people, according to him, must not be allowed to truncate the existence peace in the country.

    Senator Sani who represents Kaduna Central in Senate said in a statement that all those responsible for Thursday’s clash at the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos should be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Sani who commended what he described as the accommodating spirit of Lagos appealed to Governor Akinwumi Ambode to take steps to protect the lives and property of non indigenes resident in the state.

    He added; “The wanton killings and destruction of properties is an unacceptable crime and barbarity. The architect and perpetrators of the mayhem are enemies of peace and harmonious coexistence,” Sani said.

    “It’s unfortunate and lamentable that the monster of inter ethnic violence continue to rear its head at a time when the nation is on a change train on a journey to the future.

    “Ethnic champions with passion for violence poses a serious threat to our peace and freedom and their isolated activities has a potential for a wider conflagration.

    “Hausa/ Yoruba centuries of peaceful coexistence, cohabitation, commercial and family ties must not be allowed to be destroyed by the violent activities of a few.

    “Nigeria should be home for all. For it to be home for all, our ethnic differences should be a variety of beautiful flowers and not an array of swords. Ethnic chauvinists and jingoists are inimical to peace and national unity.

    “The spirit of nationhood is nurtured in the safety, comfort, convenience and respect for every citizen’s constitutional right to live in any part of his country, in peace. We must as patriotic citizens harness our diversity for the prosperity of our nation and our people and stem its exploitation against our March to the future.”

     

  • Gowon calls for unity

    Gowon calls for unity

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), has stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to be united irrespective of their differences.

    Speaking in Sokoto at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Federal Government College (FGC), Sokoto, Gowon said: ‘’It is only by sustaining the past leaders’ initiatives on the need for unity of Nigerians that the nation will get the deserved development.

    “Our past leaders and forefathers initiatives’ always hinged on living in peace and harmony among Nigerians, irrespective of their political, ethnic or religious differences.

    “So, our generation’s youth should always emulate the examples given by those leaders that ensured the country achieved its Independence.”

    He called on youths to always engage in developmental activities to move the nation forward.

     

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, called on the youth and the leaders to emulate the legacies left behind by the nation’s founding fathers.

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Study of cultures key to unity’

    ‘Study of cultures key to unity’

    To foster national unity, the Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN) is advocating the study of cultures in schools. Its members made the suggestion at the end of their 31st yearly conference held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. OLAWALE ODEYEMI (400-Level History, University of Ilorin) reports.

    How can culture be used to promote national integration? Members of Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN) seem to have an answer to this poser. At their 31st yearly conference held at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (EACOED), Oyo, they made far-reaching recommendations on how culture can be used to foster unity in a multi-ethnic society.

    The theme: Cultural Studies and National Unity: Emerging trends was aimed at entrenching social education for the enhancement of cultural knowledge and building of responsible citizenry.

    The conference drew participants from 29 states. It was chaired by the college’s Provost, Dr Razak Adefabi. The SOSAN president, Prof Samuel Ogundare of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) led other national officers to the event.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr  Adeyinka Osuntogun, Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, EACOED, Mr O.O. Oladokun, SOSAN vice president, Dr Alice Jekayinfa, and Treasurer, Dr Eunice Oyetade, who came from Michael Otedola College of Primary Education in Lagos.

    Speakers included Prof Segun Ajiboye of the Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan (UI), and Dr Festus Fasanmi of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State.

    After presentation of papers and discussion, participants issued a communiqué, which they said would help the government to achieve its agenda for national cohesion.

    The association praised the Federal Government for ensuring peace and security every part of the country. It, however, noted that various approaches devised by the government to achieve unity among the ethnic nationalities had not been effectively pursued.

    The association suggested the need to incorporate cultural diplomacy into the government approaches. The communique reads in part: “Cultural studies have been found to be a good strategy to build bridges and fill gaps across divides. Understanding of other people’s cultures promotes recognition, respect and facilitates unity.”

    The association urged the government to employ modern approach in addressing division among the people. It said: “Informal approaches, such as school cultural days, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and display of cultural traits during sporting fiesta will go a long way in bridging gaps. The formal cultural studies at all levels of education should be given more prominence and promoted through motivational offers.”

    The educationists hinted that government must incorporate cultural diplomacy in its change mantra, saying: “A cultural curriculum is a veritable tool for change and at this moment, we suggest that our school curriculum should be revised to incorporate teaching and learning cultures and their values in all the subjects at primary and secondary school levels.”

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE after the event, the association’s National Secretary and Sub-dean of Students’ Affairs Unit, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Dr Abdulraheem Yusuf, said there was urgent need for President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate cultural programmes that would erase mutual suspicion among various cultures in the country. He said such move would help in promoting good democratic practice and national unity.

    Highpoints of the event was presentation of awards to some members of the association and induction of new members.

  • Ambassador of unity

    Ambassador of unity

    • We commend Ooni’s historic visit to Alaafin  

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not only made history when he dramatically paid a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary on January 17. He also demonstrated that he is a new king with new ways.

    The two kings represent perhaps the most prominent and culturally significant Yoruba thrones, and it has not always been rosy between the occupants of the traditional positions.

    In particular, there was no love lost between Oba Adeyemi and Oba Ogunwusi’s predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away last year. The long rivalry that existed between the two preeminent monarchs was a minus, and unhealthy for Yoruba unity.

    Indeed, the beauty of Ooni Ogunwusi’s visit to Alaafin Adeyemi is that it was a surprise visit. It is noteworthy that Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the objective of Yoruba unity at the thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary. He said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity with any of them.”

    The Ooni added: “I am ready to damn any consequence or insinuation from anywhere. My mission here is to preach peace among nations of Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”

    Interestingly, the historical background supplied by the Alaafin on the occasion sufficed to show the extent of the unity that existed and the extent of the disunity that has existed. He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937. That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife. I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”

    It is reassuring that the traditional rulers expressed their mutual readiness to pursue the path of peace and unity. There is no doubt that this is the path that should be pursued for the benefit of the Yoruba race.

    It is worth mentioning that, historically, Ife is the fount of the Yoruba and the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the race. Also, historically, Oyo once enjoyed the status of an empire and the Alaafin is regarded as a political symbol.

    This backdrop notwithstanding, their different spheres of importance and influence need not be a source of conflict. The paramountcy of peace and progress should be more paramount to the occupants of these royal seats than any battle for supremacy.

    Ooni Ogunwusi particularly deserves kudos for his monumental move.  His example testifies not only to his cultural relevance but also to his leadership sense. He brought radiance to his throne by rising above royal ego and other petty considerations to connect with Alaafin Adeyemi.

    It is a measure of Ooni Ogunwusi’s sense of mission that he has also taken concrete steps to resolve the age-long antagonism between Ife and Modakeke.  He has set up the House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct buildings damaged in communal clashes between the two communities. This is another plus for Yoruba unity.

    At bottom, as a custodian of the values of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ooni Ogunwusi has commendably projected its Omoluwabi ethos, which emphasises the importance of a positive character in the social environment. He has shown himself to be a true ambassador of unity.

  • MOSOP seeks unity among Ogoni politicians

    MOSOP seeks unity among Ogoni politicians

    The Legborsi Saro Pyagbara-led faction of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has urged politicians of Ogoni extraction to speak with one voice.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Fegalo Nsuke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday, the group said: “Building peace and oneness among Ogonis, in our opinion, cannot be achieved through inflammable statements, which would end up deepening the problem instead of providing answers.

    “It is for this reason that we call on Ogoni political leaders to be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid igniting crisis in the area and risking alienation.

    “To us, the task of organising the Ogoni society for the actualisation of the common dream is enormous and requires our collective response, rather than the resort to worthless and shameful distractions as experienced in the past one week.

    “However, we are deeply concerned that at a time when Ogonis have decried and warned against further appalling attempts at dividing us, some local politicians are fanning the embers of division in the area.”

  • Ooni, Afenifere Renewal Group call for Yoruba unity

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) have called for unity among the Yoruba.

    The frontline monarch spoke at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when he hosted During ARG members.

    Oba Ogunwusi said peace was an essential nutrient that would help Nigeria and the Yoruba race to grow.

    The monarch noted that one of the major things he set to achieve during his reign is unity among the Yoruba, adding that peace would be achieved when Yoruba leaders work together.

    He said: “I have been praying to God for unity among the Yoruba race and in the land because our unity is germane to the progress of the world. The Yoruba are gifted and will always make impact anywhere they go. Now, there is a challenge about who will make sacrifices by leading others to resolve crisis among the Yoruba, mostly as a result of our bravery.

    “Love and unity among the Yoruba will bring about many positive things. It is time for unity to return to Nigeria and we must all return to the source to achieve it. If we forget our source, we may go astray. To bring love, I have decided to work with leaders in Yoruba land.

    “Growth is not difficult in Yoruba land; unity is the challenge. With my emergence, unity is returning to Ife and it is gradually spreading to other places across Yoruba land.”

    The head of ARG delegation Olawale Oshun said the focus of the meeting was to look into how unity could return to Yoruba land and the development the race should witness during Oba Ogunwusi’s tenure.

    Oshun urged traditional rulers to work for peace among the Yoruba in the country and in the Diaspora.

    He said: “It is important that across the Yoruba-speaking area there should be unity. When there is unity, there will be peace and when there is peace, you can facilitate development.

    “We are interested in the development of our people. We want to stop managing rancour; we want to manage development and growth. We want peace – and not rancour – to enhance positive things.”

     

  • Buhari seeks unity among Nigerians

    Buhari seeks unity among Nigerians

    Despite the diverse cultures and religions in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday called on Nigerians to dwell on things that unite the country rather than issues that can divide it.

    Buhri made the call during an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja marking the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

    The President was represented by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

    The President said the nation was proud of the contributions of the armed forces for ensuring peace, justice, freedom and prosperity of the nation.

    He said: “As a people, let us renew our determination to build a strong and united nation where freedom, justice, peace and prosperity are easily within reach; a nation where we emphasise those things that bind us rather than those things that divide us.

    “We are a country of diverse culture and even religion but let us tap more into that diversity for strength rather than for strife.” He added

    Stressing that the country today celebrates the families of the fallen heroes, their wives, children and other relatives, he said: “No one has suffered as much loss as you have and no one can truly understand your pain but today our nation commends you.

    “Your great loss is the gain of millions of Nigerians and generations yet unborn. We applaud you and the heroic men and women of our armed forces and we thank God for the worthy lives they lived. He said

    The President also commended those who made contributions in various ways to support the military.

    “On a day like this we not only commend the gallantry of the armed forces; we remember in particular all those among them that have paid the supreme price.

    “They belong to the distinguished company of those we refer to as in our national anthem with the words ‘the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain’. Today we honour their service and their memories.’’

    The President pointed out that the reputation of the armed forces in the areas of courage and service had often been noted not only at home but also abroad especially the military’s contributions to several international peace keeping missions.

    He specifically mentioned Nigeria’s military and heroic operations in Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Dafur.

    As at end of last year, he said that Nigeria had about 2,972 troops active in various UN missions and that Nigeria is one of the top 10 contributors of troops to the UN all across the world and top five in the African continent

    He said: “The armed forces contribute too and represent one of the most patriotic institutions in the land playing a leading role in our nation building efforts and also diligently attending to their traditional duty of defending and protecting our territorial integrity.

    “Their remarkable efforts in particular at this time in combating the insurgency in the North East is greatly appreciated by the Nigerian people.

    “Boko Haram and insurgency in the North East has now been degraded militarily; the insurgents no longer hold territory and can no longer launch military style attacks as they had done in the past.’’ he said

    He added: “We are confident and we pray that with God on our side the armed forces of Nigeria will not only complete the work that they have started especially the military offensive against insurgency.

    “They will also in due course continue to render the kind of service that they have rendered to our great nation and even better in the years to come.

    “Our armed forces and military have been assisting and will continue to help our communities in the affected areas to recover and resume their normal lives especially in securing their communities, clearing land mines and keeping terrorists out.

    The President also acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s foreign partners in the fight against terrorism adding that their contributions and encouragement had been worthwhile.

    He said the administration was confident that they would maintain the backing and even step up such support where needed as the nation advanced into the final stage of combating the current insurgency in the North East.

  • Ada Day: A celebration of culture, unity

    Ada Day: A celebration of culture, unity

    Indigenes of Ada in Osun State converged on the Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School to celebrate their pristine culture that unites the old and the young and links the past with the present. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports that the carnival-like event revealed the indigenes’ love for Ada as several millions of Naira was realised for various community development projects.

    All the signs that the town was in a festive mood were there. Exotic cars, gaily dressed residents, itinerant drummers and cultural performers.

    It was all at this year’s Ada Day celebration. Ada in Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State, is the home of MicCom Golf Hotel and Resorts – Nigeria’s first privately-owned golf course.

    And that day, culture became a tool to pave the road to a sure future in the development of the community.

    The chief host was the Olona of Ada, Oba Abimbola Olalekan Abioye II.

    During the cultural fiesta, several millions of Naira was realised  for various projects.

    Prominent indigenes, including the Asiwaju of Ada, Chief Kola Oyadeji, the pioneer community leader, Pa Gabriel Oguntunde, MicCom Group chair, Prince Tunde Ponnle, former community leader Prince Lekan Idowu, member representing Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Yinka Ajayi, Prince Ademola Adetona, Chief Dele Ajayi, the chairman of Ada community, Mr. Gbenga Adewale and chairman Ada 2015 Planning Committee, Mr. Benson Ojetayo, among othersý were at the Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School, venue of the event to celebrate Ada’s pristine culture.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who chaired the ceremony, was represented by Hon. Segun Adefila. The chairperson, Mother Celestial Folasade Akinlabi, the Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the Asiwaju Iree, Chief Adenrele Afolabi, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and Kwara State Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Tunde Ayandele, paid glowing tributes to citizens of the town and their sense of industry.

    Ashafa praised the community for genuinely and vigorously pursuing human development, construction of structures, empowerment of women and school pupils as well as maintaining security of lives and property.

    According to him, Ada community has continued to keep the Yoruba culture and tradition alive.

    He said: “The festival has made us to remember our past, to appreciate our present and realise the promising tomorrow, especially for the upcoming generation. So, the great sons and daughters of Ada and their neighbours have continued to build bridges among the ‘haves and the have nots’, the old and the young and between the past and the present.

    “This annual event is one of the greatest initiatives I have ever known and which I will always want to be identified with. The bottom line is to assist our people, reduce poverty, increase knowledge, encourage and reward hard work and most importantly to develop our communities.”

    Speaking earlier, Adewale said the town was making progress in many spheres. He said it had been able to complete the Iso Ege Hall for the residents, particularly the women and farmers.

    He also said the construction of a modern palace was ongoing. He, however, appealed to the state government to help Ada by establishing some industries.

    He said: “Many of what we have here have been through the effort of the community and benevolent indigenes.”

    Oba Abioye expressed gratitude to those present at the 18th Ada Day. He enjoined the indigenes to take the day with seriousness, urging them to emulate communities that celebrate their community day in Christmas carnival manner.

    The traditional ruler also advised his subjects to co-operate and support the advancement of Ada, even as he urged parents to ensure that their children come home to help in developing the town. More importantly, he advised the indigenes to pay their taxes for the government to have the resources to develop the community.

    Chief Oyadeji thanked God, the Olona, the indigenes and members of the 2015 Ada Day Planning Committee for the success of the event.

    He called on the indigenes to live in peace and harmony, saying that the community could only progress when there is love among the people.

    Highlights of the event included the fund raising for community developmental projects, the cultural performances by dance groups and the presentation of gifts by market women to the Olona and other notable citizens of the town for their contributions to the development of the town as well as debate and speech competitions designed and coordinated by an outstanding teacher in the community, Mr. Yemi Omotoso.

    Cash donations were made for community projects.

  • Chieftain advises Lagos APC on unity

    Chieftain advises Lagos APC on unity

    A CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Alhaji Taoreed Faronbi, has advised the party to work towards institutionalising internal democracy to reposition itself ahead of the local government elections.

    Faronbi disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by Hon. Bolaji Ayinla, who represents Mushin II Constituency at the House of Representatives. At the event, which took place at Aggrey Memorial School, Mushin, Lagos, he urged the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other chieftains to ensure that the choice of the people prevail, “because the third tier of government being the closest to the people is very crucial”.

    He said Mushin indigenes have planned to vehemently resist any attempt by any leader to impose candidates on the people during the election.

    Faronbi, who is popularly known as Alado, said the people are determined to reject imposition, which he described as “bringing somebody from outside the large community to become their local government leader”. He added: “This has been the practice in Mushin and it always causes of political violence and bloodshed within the community.”

    Faronbi said the widespread belief in Mushin is that most of the politicians claiming Mushin when seeking for elective positions are not indigenes of Mushin. He said: “They are not the true sons and daughters of the community; they are imposed. As a result, they often abandon the electorate after securing their elections into various positions.”

    He said none of them has ever provided job opportunities or any other useful thing to Mushin residents, particularly the youths. This development, he said, deprives the people of their rights. “It is also the major cause of political violence within the community,” he added.

    He said Mushin is one of the largest communities in Lagos that delivers large votes. He lamented that the community has never produced governorship candidate nor occupied the post of a local government chairman.

    To end this trend, Faronbi appealed to Tinubu and others party chieftains to intervene to checkmate those in the habit of imposing non-indigenes on the community, adding that they are the sponsors of political violence in the area.

    He said Mushin has educated young men and women in abundance and that they can perform excellently, if given a chance.

    Alado also urged voters in the area to stop demanding money from politicians before or after the election, saying it is like selling their birthright because it will hinder them from enjoying the dividends of democracy.

    He promised to organise a meeting with other Mushin political office holders to enable them to address the challenges facing residents of the community. The promise came in response to demands for the provision of social amenities in the community by the residents.

  • Alado tasks Lagos APC on unity

    Alado tasks Lagos APC on unity

    The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Alhaji Taoreed Faronbi, has advised the party to work towards institutionalising internal democracy within its fold, to reposition itself ahead of the next local government elections.

    Faronbi disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by Hon. Bolaji Ayinla, who represents Mushin II Constituency at the House of Representatives. At the event, which took place at Aggrey Memorial School, Mushin, Lagos, he urged the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other party chieftains to ensure that the choice of the people prevail, “because the third tier of government being the closest to the people is very crucial”.

    He said Mushin indigenes have planned to vehemently resist any attempt by any political leader to impose candidates on the people during the election.

    Faronbi, who is popularly known as Alado, said the people are determined to reject imposition, which he described as “bringing somebody from outside the large community to become their local government leader”. He added: “This has been the practice in Mushin and it always causes of political violence and bloodshed within the community.”

    According to Alado, the widespread belief in Mushin is that most of the politicians claiming Mushin when seeking for elective positions are not indigenes of Mushin. He said: “They are not the true sons and daughters of the community; they are imposed. As a result, they often abandon the electorate after securing their elections into various positions.”

    He said none of them has ever provided job opportunities or any other useful thing to Mushin residents, particularly the youths. This development, he said, deprives the people of their rights. “It is also the major cause of political violence within the community,” he added.

    He said Mushin is one of the largest communities in Lagos that delivers large votes. He lamented that the community has never produced governorship candidate nor occupied the post of a local government chairman.

    To end this ugly trend, Alado appealed to Tinubu and others party chieftains to intervene to checkmate those in the habit of imposing non-indigenes on the community, adding that they are the sponsors of political violence in the area.

    He said Mushin has educated young men and women in abundance and that they can perform excellently, if given a chance.

    Alado also urged voters in the area to stop demanding money from politicians before or after the election, saying it is like selling their birthright because it will hinder them from enjoying the dividends of democracy.

    He promised to organise a meeting with other Mushin political office holders to enable them to address the challenges facing residents of the community. The promise came in response to demands for the provision of social amenities in the community by the residents.