Leaders tasked on promoting unity, peace among youth

By Stanley Onyekwere

Nigerian leaders at all levels have been admonished to brace up with the task of inculcating the pursuit of peace and unity in the citizens especially the youth irrespective of their political or ethno religious affiliations, so as to boost the advancement of the country.

This call was made by stakeholders at a forum organised by the FCT Archives and History Bureau, to mark  Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary, in Abuja.

The blated lecture on 2020 Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary celebration, tagged: “Nigeria Diamond Jubilee: Standing together at 60,” brought together great minds to speak on the need for leaders, to brace up with the task of making Nigeria a better place for future generations.

Speaking at the occasion, Executive Director, Center For Peace Building and Social Economic Development, Dr Ayokunle Fagbemi, appealed to government to stop paying lips service to insecurity challenges, rape and other crimes.

Fagbami also called on all those in position of governance to abide by their oats of  office and the  constitution of the country.

“We want to plead with all public officers elected or appointed to kindly take to the rules, regulations contain in the constitution, particularly in ensuring that we build a united Nigeria.

“The security breaches we have been having had manifested in diverse forms”, he stressed.

Similarly, in a paper presentation on the theme: ‘Standing together @ 60’, A lecturer from the University of Abuja, Professor Philip Akpen attributed the challenges confronting the country to inherent internal problems, such as regional, ethnic, political and instability

The Professor, who added that religious, unemployment, poverty among others are part of the problems, said the time to call ‘a spade a spade’ is now.

Earlier while declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA,  Mr Olusade Adesola commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Sir Tarawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, chief Nnamdi Azikiwe  and Chief Obafemi Awolowo; and called on all citizens to prioritise issues of national interest than personal ones.

Adesola, was represented by the Acting Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr Ibe Prospect, stressed the need for the citizens to avoid acts capable of jeopardizing peaceful coexistence.

Also, in his welcome address, Director, FCT Archives and History Bureau, Mr. chukwukelu Peter  maintained that the challenges confronting the country were not insurmountable.

He opined that living together as an indivisible entity was key to stabilising and sustaining the nation’s democracy.

According to him: “The changes are taking place, eventually Nigeria will be better. We have problems of leadership over the years. Leadership is not just presidency, we have leadership in your home your children, how do you bring them up?

“People that turn bad eggs are children brought up  from families. So as long a we keep doing the right thing, Nigeria will get better”.

The event, which was well attended by top government functionaries, the Chief of Garki, Usman Nga kupi and other Nigerians, unanimously expressed optimism, that with round pegs in round holes, FCT and Nigeria at large will overcome all challenges.