The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Unity

  • Buhari to Christians at lent: pray for Nigeria’s unity, progress

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Christians on the solemn occasion of the beginning of this year’s Lenten season.

    As they join their counterparts worldwide to emulate the worthy example of Jesus Christ, who fasted 40 days at the beginning of His earthly ministry, the President urged Christian brothers and sisters to pray fervently for the country’s unity and progress.

    He believed that Nigeria’s existence as one united country is a divine arrangement and nothing should be done to put it asunder.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, enjoined Nigerians to intensify love, brotherliness and concern for the less-privileged members of their communities to strengthen the bond of togetherness.

    “As Christians begin the period of increased prayers, piety, sacrifice and selfless services, the President wished them and all Nigerians well,” the statement said.

  • Ajimobi calls for unity as new HoS takes oath

    Ajimobi calls for unity as new HoS takes oath

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday urged the residents to stop promoting division and disunity in the name of institutions, regions or socio-cultural zones.

    The governor spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, at the swearing-in of a new Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Hannah Ogunesan.

    The swearing-in was the second official function the governor performed at the same venue, having earlier inducted the first President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Solomon Akinteye.

    Ajimobi noted that the location of any institution or government structure should not be seen as making it to belong to the region but the entire state.

    Oyo State is politically divided into Ibadan, Oyo, Oke Ogun, Ibarapa and Ogbomosho extractions and each zone has many local government areas.

    The new HoS hails from Oke Ogun region of the state.

    The governor said: “The Head of Service we are choosing today is the HoS of Oyo State and not for Oke Ogun region. So, please, let that be seen and be known. Just like I tell all my brothers from Ogbomosho, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is not for Ogbomosho; it is for Oyo State and for all of us.

    “Let us try and unite ourselves under all institutions created to unite us. Let’s stop dividing ourselves on the basis of region or zones or on structures located in the regions. All we have been doing in terms of political appointments across the regions is in the interest of the state.”

    Mrs Ogunesan is the second to be sworn in under the Ajimobi administration, following the voluntary retirement of the former HoS, Soji Eniade, who the governor had also appointed as an Executive Assistance.

     

     

  • Dickson, Obaseki meet for peace, unity in Niger Delta

    Dickson, Obaseki meet for peace, unity in Niger Delta

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, met in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the weekend.

    They discussed regional security and economic integration for peace and unity in Niger Delta.

    A statement by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary Mr. Francis Agbo said the governors met at the Government House, Yenagoa.

    The statement quoted Dickson as calling on Obaseki to mobilise resources in his state towards championing restructuring before 2019.

    Dickson said the report of All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring showed that all Nigerians, regardless of political and ethno-religious background, adopted a common position on restructuring.

    He said: “Edo State governor and I discussed a whole range of issues bordering on regional security and economic integration. Issues of peace and security are a necessary condition for development and building bridges of unity. We agreed that we need to do that more often and provide a conducive environment for investments to thrive.

    “The report of APC on restructuring shows that Nigerians, irrespective of political and religious differences, are convinced about the need to restructure and they have seen that restructuring has become a necessity.”

    Dickson hailed Obaseki for his developmental efforts, saying Bayelsa and Edo would work to ensure peace and stability.

    Describing Obaseki as a good friend and a brother, Dickson hoped the historic visit would herald subsequent meetings to discuss and promote mutual interests for the benefit of both states.

    Obaseki said the purpose of the visit was to dialogue with his Bayelsa counterpart on issues of security and strengthen bilateral economic relations.

    As chairman of Southsouth Governors’ Forum, he said Dickson had a role to play in the enthronement of peace and stability in the region and country.

    Obaseki said he would work with other stakeholders to take measures towards resuscitation of the BRACED Commission to harness economic opportunities in the region.

    He said: “I’m here today to discuss with the chairman of Southsouth Governors Forum on regional cooperation and other issues affecting our region, particularly economic, social and security matters.

    “I have received assurance from him that we will work as states within the region despite our political differences, and that in the next coming months we will undertake measures to further strengthen regional cooperation.

    “You know we have the BRACED Commission and we haven’t done too much with it. Working with him now, we will ensure that we resuscitate the commission and look for common understanding.

    “As regards the issue of the Edo Ijaw, we have invited His Excellency to visit and further enunciate the decisions we have taken today and to make all of them (the Ijaw), feel included in Edo State and be part of the economic growth, which we envisage will occur in the next few years.”

  • Ijaw leaders gather in Bayelsa, seek unity, economic integration

    Ijaw leaders gather in Bayelsa, seek unity, economic integration

    IJAW traditional rulers and leaders from the six states of Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo on Friday converged on Yenagoa to seek unity and economic integration. The meeting which was declared open by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State also harped on reconciliation, unity, peace, stability and economic progress of the Ijaw nation Dickson urged stakeholders to put aside their differences and forge a strong united front, which he said was the only way to make Ijaw nation relevant among other ethnic nationalities in the country.

    He said the time had come for the Ijaw traditional rulers, elders and leaders of the people to constitute a strong, credible, dependable and fearless leadership for the Ijaw National Congress (INC). A Government House Statement signed by Fidelis Soriwei, said Dickson spoke at the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders in Yenagoa.

    The governor said it was time for certain key roles to be undertaken and spearheaded by a strong president of the INC and his executive committee in the interest of Ijaw nation. He said that the absence of a strong INC had created a vacuum which was inimical to the development of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta. He said: “On the need for Ijaw unity, everybody in the Ijaw nation, all our leaders are on the same page. And I am delighted that all of you who are the critical pillars of the Ijaw movement which is founded on our Ijaw traditional institutions are present here, that is why you have clan representation.

    “Let me draw your attention to the need for the Ijaw nation at this point in time more than any other time to be united as quickly as possible to put processes in place that will lead to the emergence of a credible, solid, dependable, knowledgeable and fearless leadership for our people because there are certain things only the INC can do. ‘There are certain things only the the INC president and his team can say, all of us will give support. Right now there is a vacancy, a vacuum and that is not good at all for us, for the Niger Delta because our people, the Ijaw people have a duty to galvanise this region and close leakages that can lead to more stable and prosperous Niger Delta, and Nigeria.”

  • c, Onaiyekan, Apochi canvass unity against killings

    c, Onaiyekan, Apochi canvass unity against killings

    •As former Senate President dedicates church to God

    Former Senate President, David Mark, the  Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and his Otukpo diocese counterpart, Michael Apochi, were unanimous yesterday in their quest for Nigerians to unite against criminality and fight for the liberation of citizens  from the grips of Boko Haram, violent herdsmen, kidnappers  and armed banditry  in parts of the country.

    Senator Mark and the spiritual leaders spoke at the dedication of an ultra-modern complex built and donated to St. Augustine  Catholic Church , Otukpo, Benue State by the immediate past President of the Senate and his family .

    Mark’s spokesman, Paul Mumeh, said in a statement that the Senator expressed  appreciation to God for empowering him  contribute to  the propagation of the gospel  needed to salvage mankind  and make the society a better place.

    Mark added that the church building was his family’s modest contribution towards spreading the gospel of God.

    It said the former Senate President hoped that the worship centre will help curtail evil in the society and transform perpetrators for good.

    Mark said: “I feel fulfilled that this church project is a reality. As long as I live, I will serve God and humanity. I am a ready hand  for God to use to transform our society”.

    In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan bemoaned the violent clashes in parts of the country, particularly the recent Benue massacre, that claimed scores of lives.

    He said:” We must, as a people of Nigeria ,unite against these forces of evil  to liberate ourselves .

    “These carnage and bloodletting orchestrated by hatred and wickedness cannot be a way of life. We must all join hands to stop this spate of killings.

    “As Christians , we pray for peace. Justice and love. We have no room for hatred or vengeance. Vengeance is for God. Let us do everything that promotes peace and harmonious relationship with our neighbors.”

    He reminded the federal government to include rebuilding of churches destroyed by insurgents as it prepares to rebuild the crisis- ridden North Eastern states.

    The host Bishop Apochi, expressed appreciation to Senator Mark and his family for the gesture believing  that the house of worship will help promote peace, unity and curtail the ills in the society.

    Four other Catholic Bishops; Peter Adoboh ( Katsina- Ala), Wilfred Anagbe ( Makurdi), William Avenya ( Gboko) and Michael Gokum (Pankshin) and about 50 Priests joined in the dedication of the new church.

     

  • Ogun 2019: ‘Unity, negotiations ‘ll ensure success of Ogun West aspiration’

    Ogun 2019: ‘Unity, negotiations ‘ll ensure success of Ogun West aspiration’

    Ayewa son and President of Gbenga Akinwande Foundation, Mr Gbenga Akinwande, has urged the Council of Obas in Yewa (Ogun West Senatorial District) to ensure stronger unity among the hundreds of towns and communities in the zone to enable the zone catch up with the others.

    Akinwande urged the zone’s Council of Obas to initiate programmes that would engender inter and intra communal bond among the communities.

    The Europe-based indigene of Ayetoro in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, spoke at the weekend at Ayetoro at the launch of the foundation – to develop soccer talents in children and younger generation as well as stimulate activities that would boost the socioeconomic development of the area.

    The philanthropist urged the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Azeez Adelakun, and the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, to meet with the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewa, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and present the issue before him.

    Akinwande said he was aware of the zone’s aspiration to produce the next governor in 2019 and expressed the confidence that should the Yewa Council Obas keep negotiating with the Ijebu and Egba leaders of thought, the “Yewa for Governor Agenda” would come to pass.

    He regretted that Ogun West is the “least developed” zone in the state because               the indigenes have not done much over the years to unite and make the area great.

    The philanthropist urged sons and daughters to help reverse its backward status.

    He said the state and Federal governments had neglected the senatorial district (Yewa) over a long period, despite the “revenues” that accrued to them annually from the area.

    Akinwande said the newly established Ogun State Polytechnic at Imeko and Ipokia under Governor Ibikunle Amosun may eliminate social ills in the two Ogun West border communities.

    He urged the governor to also locate a state university in the zone.

    He appealed to Amosun to upgrade the Ayetoro campus of the College of Agriculture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), to a full-fledged university of agriculture to enhance the economic development of Ogun since it is an agrarian state.

    In attendance at the Gbenga Akinwande Foundation launch, which also featured three categories of football competitions among budding soccer stars in Ogun West, are the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government Area, Rasaq Adeagbo, representatives of Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, among others.

     

     

  • Nigeria’s unity not negotiable, says Fayose

    Nigeria’s unity not negotiable, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said the nation’s unity is not negotiable but must be backed by justice, equity and fairness to every section.

    Fayose spoke at the weekend in Gombe, the capital, at the cultural display by different dance groups after the coronation of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo as the Tafidan Tangale in Billiri Local Government Area of the state.

    The Ekiti State governor said Nigeria deserved a leadership that believes in all parts of the country and not in some sections of it.

    He said: “As much as we believe in the unity of Nigeria, we must also continue to add justice and fairness.

    “No section in Nigeria should feel used or oppressed by the leadership of our country. But the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.”

    Fayose hailed Gombe State residents for ensuring unity and displaying their rich culture.

    He said: “Well, this is a very good culture. There could be a culture without foot drivers of such culture, no matter how rich.

    “…Dankwambo has demonstrated good leadership by promoting a rich culture, his people and celebrating them.”

    The governor could not resist joining in the cultural dance.

    He urged others to emulate the rich cultural display among Gombe State residents to promote unity and progress of the country.

    Hailing Dankwambo, Fayose said: “For him to have won an election in this part of this country in 2015 means he is an outstanding politician who should be celebrated. I’m glad to be part of that celebration today.”

     

     

  • CAN president, others for unity panel

    National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Supo Ayokunle, will deliver a keynote address on Saturday at the Men of Power, Purity and Praise summit of The New Heritage Baptist Church, Lagos.

    The summit, powered by the Men Union Missionary (MMU) of the church, holds at the church auditorium in Somolu, from 8.30 am.

    Ayokunle will speak on how churches can foster unity in Nigeria. His address will precede a panel, comprising eminent Nigerians for the third edition of the summit, with the theme: “Nigeria, one nation under God-fostering unity through Christianity”.

  • Tinubu’s parley with Fasoranti to boost Yoruba unity, says APC

    Tinubu’s parley with Fasoranti to boost Yoruba unity, says APC

    Last week’s visit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State capital, is aimed at strengthening unity among Yoruba leaders, the party has said.

    The ruling APC dispelled rumours that there was a crack in its fold in Ondo State.

    A statement by the party’s state Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the visit would fortify the efforts of APC governments in the Southwest to improve the life of the people.

    It noted that the visit will assure party members that its unity is not negotiable.

    APC said: “The national leader of our party has reiterated the democratic stance of our party in all we do. This does not mean there are disagreements among our leadership, as it has been misinterpreted in some quarters.

    “Visiting the Afenifere leader and other leaders in Akure, Tinubu has engendered unity of purpose among Yoruba leaders and the people for them to work in unity for the socio-economic development of the land.”

    The party urged its members on “leave of absence” to return for its consolidation.

    The statement added: “All affected members should be rest assured that there is no dichotomy of any kind, as everyone is treated as equal and granted equal opportunities in the party.”

    Last Wednesday, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu accompanied Asiwaju Tinubu to meet Pa Fasoranti with some other Yoruba leaders, including Chiefs Bisi Akande, Olu Falae, Seinde Arogbofa and Femi Aluko.

     

  • He was a pillar of unity, says IBB

    He was a pillar of unity, says IBB

    Ex-Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has condoled with the family of the late former Vice-President Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    He described his death as a big loss to the country.

    Babangida said the death left a vacuum in the quest for a true national unity and peaceful co-existence.

    In a statement by his media office in Minna, he extolled the virtue of simplicity, which characterised the life of Dr. Ekwueme.

    Babangida mourned with the family, people of Anambra State, Southeast and other Nigerians.

    He said: “His simplicity is a rare virtue. He had intellectual depth and lived a life built on values and morality. We will miss him. Nigeria needs people like him.

    “I condole with the family of the late Dr. Ekwueme, the government and people of Anambra State and other Nigerians. I pray that God will give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”