MAKE DIVERSITY AS SOURCE OF STRENGTH FOR NATION BUILDING ------ GOV AHMED, From Abioye Olarewaju, Ilorin

From Abioye Olarewaju, Ilorin

The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Dr ABdulFattah Ahmed has urged Nigerians to use their diversity in tribes, tongues, religions and others as building blocks of welding Nigeria into one united Country.
The number one citizen of the State of Harmony gave the charge in his 53rd Nigeria's Independence Anniversary message to the people of the State.
    According to the Governor in his independence message, signed by his
Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahaab Oba, the Governor lamented that at 53, the country is yet to attain nationhood.

In the words of the Governor, " Nigerians are still bedevilled by primordial sentiments that promote ethnic and religious bigotry rather than national cohesion".
He posited that; "until we begin to see ourselves, first and foremost, as Nigerians before being seen as coming from a particular part of the country, we would remain a country of ethnic nationalities as opposed to being a nation where we regard ourselves  as indivisible entity".

Dr Ahmed challenged Nigerians to exhibit more tenets of patriotism
and renew their faith in the ability of their leaders to positively. turn around the fortunes of the country.

Gov Ahmed noted that although the country is currently undergoing
various challenges, the maximum support and prayers of Nigerians are needed to adequately tackle the problems.

In his admonition of the people, the Governor said;“I urged all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation, to pray for the unity of the country to achieve the much
needed peace and development".

He added that “if we remain committed to the ideals of building a united, virile nation, Nigeria will remain a flagship in the comity of Nations across the World".

The Governor advised Nigerians to eschew divisive tendencies such as
religious bigotry and violence as well as ethnic challenges that could hinder aspirations  for national growth, peace and development.