"UNITY IN DIVERSITY"

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

“Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English,’ ‘Welsh,’ or ‘French.’ The word ‘Nigerian’ is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who do not.” [From Path to Nigerian Freedom by Obafemi Awolowo] How true is the aforesaid statement to you as a Nigerian?

Nigeria is not only a great nation in Africa but one of the major eyes of Africa and the world. May this celebration (Democracy Day) not only be a merry one, but also a reflecting juncture for many to put peace and Unity were it originally belongs in Nigeria. - Unity, peace and development seems to be synonymous.

If a multi-ethnic society affects the bacillus of nationalism, it loses its strength and durability. And we need to understand how far-reaching effects can cause condoning attempts to stir up ethnic hatred, and hatred toward people of another culture and another religion. Civil peace and interethnic accord - it is not established once and forever a frozen picture. On the contrary, it is a constant dynamic, dialogue. It is a hard work of state and society, which requires very delicate decisions and wise policy that is capable of "unity in diversity." We must not only respect mutual obligations, but also finding common values to all.

I am confidence that we can ensure the harmonious development of a multicultural community, based on our culture, history, type of identity and religion. We can agree that many Nigerian citizens found themselves abroad, call themselves Nigerians. And do consider themselves as such, regardless of ethnicity. According to Ricardo Flores Magon.... We are free, truly free, when we don’t need to rent our arms to anybody in order to be able to lift a piece of bread to our mouths.

A huge role here belongs to education. The choice of educational programs, diversity in education should be our undoubted achievement. But the variation should be based on immutable values, the basic knowledge and understanding of peace. The civil challenge of education, the education system - to give each one absolutely requires the amount of human knowledge, which is the basis of self-identity of the people.



And, of course, we look forward to active participation of peace in Nigeria. At the heart of Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity - with all the differences and peculiarities - lays the basic, common morality, moral and spiritual values: compassion, mutual support, truth, justice, and respect for elders, the ideals of family, life and work. These value systems cannot be replaced by anything, and we need to strengthen it.

Deeply convinced that attempts to preach the idea of building a mono-ethnic state contradict our entire history. Moreover, it is the shortest way to the destruction of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state. God Bless Nigeria! Happy Democracy Day!!!

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