Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has identified justice, equity and equality among other factors as vital for nation building stressing that no country can progress without the application of these factors.
Chief Obasanjo who disclosed this during the 2021/2022 school debate prize and presentation day organised by Vision Africa Radio in conjunction with the State Ministry of Education with the theme: The Development Of A Nation’s Sound Education System Ensures Security More Than Military Actions”.
He maintained that justice, equity, common ideals, mutual
respect and equality of opportunities remained the ideas of nation building.
Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, adding that “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries”.
He said that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right.
According to Obasanjo, such leaders must be humble in addition to possessing the ability to work in selfless devotion and service to humanity with the fear of God.
He said: “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for steady and uncompromised process of nation- building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.
“Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance,
incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class”.
Presenting the trophies to the winners of the debate competition from Immaculate International school who emerged first position, Standard International School, 2nd Position and Ndume Otuka community secondary school third position, Chief Obasanjo congratulated them and advised that they cultivate good communication skills to enable them excel in life.
Also speaking, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chris Ezem described Chief Obasanjo as a true Nationalist who has left worthy legacies for upcoming leaders in the country.
While appreciating the former President for finding time to visit the state as part of activities marking his 85th birthday anniversary, Gov. Ikpeazu lauded the President Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha and the State Ministry of Education for organising the debate competition, pointing out that it will help in building better youths that will be great leaders in future and assured of Government’s continued partnership with the station.
Earlier in his address the President, Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha said the essence of the school debate was to broaden and sharpen the spoken English language proficiency of secondary school students in the State and to empower the schools with awards as well educate and enlighten the
teeming audience.
He commended Governor Ikpeazu for reforming and revamping the education sector, adding that over two hundred and thirty five schools have participated in the various editions of the competition.
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