•My quest for peace prompted the 2014 National Conference-GEJ
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and others have called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of unity and national cohesion where tribe or religion is relegated to the background in order to advance national integration, peace, and unity.
This according to our correspondent was the views canvassed at the 5th National Integration Summit with the theme; ‘National Integration: Harnessing the Strength in our Diversity,’ held at the International Conference Center, Abuja on November 18th, 2017.
In his Keynote address, the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, represented by his media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, commended the participants for their tenacity and interest in the Nigerian project
He further explained that his continual search for peace and workable solutions that will minimize tension, promote peace and guarantee a better future for the country prompted him to convene the 2014 National Conference.
Our correspondent further reported that, Dr Chris Ekiyor, in his welcome address told the gathering that ISG-N believes that there would be no need for the clamour for restructuring in a truly integrated Nigeria, saying that, restructuring is as a result of the dissatisfaction of citizens for the way and manner the country is being run.
In his words, “If we must move our country forward as a people, as a giant of Africa, as a country that the rest of the world must respect, then we must break down the barrier of our ethnic nationality, religious divide, geographical boundaries and political mappings.
In the same manner, the Executive Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon Abdullahi Adamu Candido informed the gathering that every individual living in AMAC is a citizen of the council as there is no specific identity of who the people are.
Unity of purpose, according to the chairman, has been the hallmark of his administration which prompted the formation of a 21 Man committee on National Unity with the sole objective of uniting every Nigerian from all the states of the federation living in the council area.
On his part, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, the Presidential Aspirant of National Conscience Party while delivering a lecture identified certain variables that will enhance National Integration.
This among others includes; a national policy on inter-tribal marriage, adoption of an official indigenous language giving instance with GUOSA language, a combination of 120 tongues currently being studied at the University of California and tackling the issue of security.
Others who delivered their goodwill messages at the conference includes Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Aisha Abubakar Audu Emeje, former First Lady of Kogi State and Ambassador Dickson Akoh, the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, represented by Patriot Jason Akano, Assistant National Commandant and HRM Barr. Shadrack Erebulu, Aduo II, the Pere of Kabowei kingdom.
Awards were presented to media houses and corporate bodies as Integration Ambassadors for their various roles in propagating the ideals of peace and unity in the country.
Other dignitaries include Princess Nana Onwordi, President Gender Equity foundation; Ace Nollywood Star, Francis Duru; Hon Gabriel O. Bravo, Supervisory councilor for Health, AMAC; Hon Rahmat Abisola Abdullahi, Supervisory councilor for Education, AMAC; Hon. Jubreel Mohammad Babangoshi, Special Adviser to the AMAC Chairman on Youth Empowerment/Skill Acquisition and HRM Josephine Prebor, Miss Niger Delta Diaspora.
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