In a bid to foster unity and national cohesiveness, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the founder of the Kukah Centre, Bishop Mathew Kukah, have jointly urged Nigerians to strive towards a collectively unified nation.
Addressing attendees at the National Integration Conference themed “Revisiting the National Question: Nigeria’s Elusive Search for National Integration,” organized by the Kukah Centre, the duo emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s rich diversity in ethnicity, language, and religion as a valuable national asset.
Representing Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu highlighted that the country’s pluralism could be a driving force propelling Nigeria towards a more cohesive and prosperous future, where the diverse strengths of its populace are fully utilized.
He stated, “Our diversity should serve as our strategic advantage, ensuring resilience, innovation, and unity as a nation. The ongoing constitutional amendment process is geared towards bolstering these mechanisms, fostering inclusivity, fairness, and justice in society.”
Emphasizing the imperative of nation-building, Kukah urged Nigerians to move beyond assigning blame and instead unite for the betterment of the country. He articulated, “Nation-building is not about pointing fingers, but about the pressing need for national integration. It is crucial for us as a nation to comprehend the complexities of managing diversity.”
Asserting that any individual identifying as a citizen of Nigeria should uphold the Constitution and contribute to the nation’s development, Kukah underscored the importance of embracing unity and common goals.