The past year under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership marked a pivotal phase for Nigeria, characterized by Chief Bisi Akande during a lecture in Kaduna. The event, themed “Our Diversity, Our Strength,” celebrated the administration’s achievements and emphasized a unified, progressive future. Attendees included prominent political figures such as Kaduna State’s Governor Uba Sani and Benue State’s Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia, who also discussed the role of diversity in strengthening the nation.
Akande, a pioneer National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a former governor, reassured citizens amidst economic difficulties that the nation remains secure under Tinubu’s guidance. Despite challenges and past prophecies predicting instability, he affirmed the country’s strength and unity, praising the Tinubu administration for fostering peace and development.
Promises of Progress
Expanding on the theme of unity and advancement, Akande emphasized that under Tinubu’s presidency, Nigeria is poised to experience heightened peace, development, and prosperity. He recalled the political tensions that arose during the 2023 elections, aimed at denying Tinubu the presidency, yet highlighted how these did not deter the nation’s progress. According to Akande, these challenges are part of Nigeria’s historical journey towards maintaining its sovereignty and unity, dating back to the independence movements of the 1950s.
Governor Uba Sani highlighted Tinubu’s historical commitment to Nigeria’s democracy, noting his significant role as a financier and supporter of the pro-democracy movement that eventually led to the end of military rule in Nigeria. Sani praised Tinubu for his dedication to the national cause and encouraged all Nigerians to support their president in overcoming the current economic hardships, which include tough but necessary policies like the removal of oil subsidies.
Diversity as a National Strength
Governor Hyacinth Alia took the stage to emphasize the importance of unity in diversity. Speaking on the event’s theme, Alia argued that Nigeria’s varied religious and ethnic backgrounds should not divide the nation but instead be seen as a collective strength. He urged attendees to view diversity as a powerful unifying force that can propel the country to greater heights, rather than a source of conflict.
The governor stressed that the stability of Nigeria is crucial not just for its citizens but for the entire African continent. A failure in Nigeria, he warned, could have detrimental effects across Africa. Thus, maintaining a strong, united, and prosperous Nigeria is essential for the broader regional stability and development.
Source: Punch
