Our diversity should drive our unity – Professor Akpen
By Taofeek Lawal, Abuja
The Head of Department, History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Abuja, Professor Phillip Akpen, has described Nigeria as a journeying nation in the last 60 years of independence. He said it is time for all Nigerians to stand together to achieve true nationhood.
The university teacher made the statement over the weekend at the commemoration of 2020 independence anniversary with the theme: “Nigeria’s Diamond Jubilee: Standing Together at 60”, organised by FCT Archives and History Bureau (FAHB). He said religion and ethnicity rather than being divisive and destabilizing factors, should stabilize every part of the country.
He said the geographical location, culture and tradition of Nigerian people should be the basis of unity to achieve political, social and economic success for Nigeria to stand tall among comity of nations.
“Nigeria at 60 portrays a nation that is journeying and it is time for us to stand and stay together. Nigeria is a significant entity because of its substantial human, material and natural resources. It is high time to give every Nigerian a level playing ground to serve the country irrespective of party, religious, tribal or ethnic affiliations or beliefs. Religion in Nigeria should be a unifying factor and not a destabilizing factor,” Professor Akpen said.
The executive director, Centre for Peace Building, Conflict Resolutions and Socio-Economic Development, Dr Ayokunle Fagbemi, said what Nigeria needs is an integrated development that will promote togetherness, oneness and unity among the citizens. He advised the government to address the grievances of the various ethnic groups and not to put one group above others to promote national unity and cohesion.
The royal father of the day and the Sapei Garki, His Royal Highness Alhaji Usman Ngakupi, called on Nigerians to continue to change the political leadership through the ballot box until the country gets it right. The monarch also called for a massive integrated renewal plan where the interest of the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory will be robustly taken care of.
