An Abuja-based NGO, Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC) on Thursday called for strengthened unity, peace and patience among Nigerians for national development.
Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, the President of the group made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria , while reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s independence address to the nation.
Nnam, who congratulated Nigerians on the 60th independence, urged all to close ranks, irrespective of party or tribal differences for a greater Nigeria.
“Nigeria as the President pointed out belongs to all of us, irrespective of our diversities.
“Let us all come together to re-engineer the country by supporting government to overcome the emerging economic and political challenges,” he said.
The ILDC boss reiterated the imperatives of patriotism and nostalgia as watchwords for all Nigerians toward achieving the much desired development.
Nnam expressed optimism for a better future, saying it was realisable with the collective efforts of all citizens.
According to him, patience and tolerance are very paramount on the road to building a greater country.
He stressed the need for all Nigerians to “de-emphasise tribal or religious affiliations and emphasise more on the country as their first homes.’’
“In America, every American sees himself or herself first as an American before the state or region he or she comes from.
“We need to toe the same line by seeing ourselves first as Nigerians before tribe or state,” he noted.
Nnam however reiterated the need for togetherness, saying “this is more beneficial than division’’.
Edited By: Chinyere Nwachukwu/Grace Yussuf
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