From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Former Nigerian President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said that after 61 years of independence, Nigeria is just struggling, but it is not yet a nation.
General Babangida stated this when he played host to a pan-Nigerian group called Team New Nigeria, (TNN) at his Hill-top residence in Minna, Niger State.
Speaking to the objective of the security group, which is to build a Nigeria where all citizens are patriotic, IBB lamented that, Nigerians still talk in terms of tribes region, and religion.
According to the former President, “I think, this is something that, is long overdue. I have continued to engage a lot of my friends, brothers, and colleagues about this great country. 61 years after, we still talk in terms of tribes regions, or religions.
“We are just trying to be a nation, we have not succeeded yet. But, it is a good thing that people like you have come together to say, Enough! We have to do something.
“I think your movement is something that is worthy of emulation and it is something to congratulate you about, for coming together from your various professions, tribes, and regions. You are the true Nigerians,” he said.
He however pledged to mobilize national support for Team New Nigeria to accomplish its aims and objectives of the group.
The former President who is also the Grand- Patron of the group had earlier accepted honorary membership of the group in October 2021
Earlier, the President of the group, Dr. Modibbo Yakubu Farakwai appreciated the good gesture of the former President for accepting to be the Grand Patron of Team New Nigeria (TNN).
He pointed out that, Team New Nigerian was deliberately crafted to reflect the aspirations of the founding fathers of Nigeria about what an ideal nation should be. Adding that, “our genuine quest as members to instill patriotism in Nigerians.
“We seek to promote genuine democratic values, equality, diversity, and inclusiveness, as well as peaceful coexistence and sustainable community development, by engaging support young people, women and men through education, entrepreneurship skills.
“We have already established administrative structures across the six geographical zones to achieve our aims and objectives,” Farakwai said.
He solicited support and guidance from the people and institutions within the framework of the TNN Center for Democracy and Community Development.
Dr. Farakwai said this conforms with a mission to encourage Nigeria through youth training and advocacy to enhance ethical, moral, social, economic, and political pursuits.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Team New Nigeria Dr, Shuaib Muhammad, and other members of the National Working Committee of the group were
among the entourage.
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