By Stella Obi
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has called for unity, in building a sustainable Nigeria. Speaking at the year 2025 Democracy Day programme, “The Platform”, organized by the Covenant Nation on Thursday, Professor Soludo encouraged Nigerians to focus on the positive aspects rather than the things not working in the country.
The governor who spoke on the theme, ” Rebuilding the Nation”, opined that there is no time to waste on complaints, saying that complaining will not fix the country’s problems.
He noted that achieving a progressive Nigeria requires collective efforts of all progressives, adding that political parties should unite along party ideologies.
According to the governor, true progress begins when people are valued not by tribe or religion, but by the worth they bring. He emphasized the need to eschew the culture of corruption and ease of free money but celebrate the culture of hard work.
In his speech, the former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), noted that it was very important for citizens to always adhere to the Rule of Law, noting that no one is above the law. According to him, where there is absence of law and order, it repels human capital.
” The more lawful we become, the more expansive and compliant we will be as a people and as a nation. The Rule of Law impacts national development; the more of it we have, the more prosperity we experience as a nation,” Fashola opined.
Also speaking, the first female President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr Ameenah Gurib – Fakim, underscored the importance of education and how it can transform the continent.
Dr Fakim urged universities to collaborate across countries, borders and continents so as to solve challenges facing the African continent.
Contributing, the former Independent National Electoral Chairman (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, espoused that no nation can build and sustain democracy without Democrats.
He said that appropriate reforms are needed in the democratic institutions to build confidence, transparency and accountability.
In his remarks, the convener of the Platform programme, Pastor Poju Oyemade, thanked people that laid down their lives for democracy to thrive.
- Obi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
