By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Dr Ayodeji Boyede of the Department of Human Resources, Osun State University, has called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of unity, patriotism and shun ethnos religious issues.
Boyede made the call on Tuesday at a ceremony organised by the Education Department of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan to mark the country’s Independence celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme has as its theme: “Re-thinking Our Independence.’’
Boyede said that the gap created in the country by ethno-religious division could be bridged through the recognition and appreciation of our unity in diversity.
The don said the claim of superiority by one ethnic or religious group over the years had marred our unity and should be de-emphasised.
He added that the uniqueness of every culture and religion should be upheld.
“Unity should override ethnic prejudice and religious sentiments to actualize formidable and effective nation building,” he said.
The Head of Education Department of the Museum, Mrs Oyeyemi Tinubu, said that an independent person should be non-reliant on anyone.
“At 62, usually a person is a senior citizen and is expected to have retired, enjoying his retirement benefits and be independent.
“The state of our nation did not correspond to my analogy hence the need for us to rethink.
“This is why scholars, experts and nation builders have been invited to talk to us on what we are doing right; needed to be doing and our responsibility in building our nation,” she said.
Also, the Coordinator of the Programme, Mrs Victoria Umukoro, said that over the years, Nigerians had lived together as one indivisible nation.
She added that the strength and unity in our diversity, which brought us this far, should remain intact.
“It’s on this basis that this commission has decided to come up with a more mind agitating theme.
“Since Nigeria got its independence, the journey has been slightly more difficult to travel together, but in spite all odds we have come through another year.
“We thank God for His goodness and mercy, we pray that in the next anniversary we shall count the blessings of God,” she said.
The highlights of the event were the cutting of independence anniversary cake, lectures, different cultural dance and stage performances. (NAN)
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