Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, has asserted that peace and unity of the country was not negotiable.
Speaking at an award ceremony organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, on Tuesday in Abuja, the former Head of State urged Nigerians to work towards achieving peace in the country.
Represented by his brother, Dauda Gowon, the former Head of State said that his passion and commitment for Nigeria to remain as one entity was the main reason for accepting to chair the occasion.
“This award ceremony is timely and relevant, considering the serious political, ethnic and religious challenges being experienced in our nation Nigeria today.
“We have to overcome these problems in order for us to move forward.
“I am delighted and honoured to be nominated for this award, anchored on the theme `Heal the Land/Bridge Builders.
“You are all aware of my strong desire and commitment for the peace and unity of our nation; this informed my consideration and acceptance of this invitation to encourage and also add my voice to the call for peace and national unity.
“I want to reiterate in strongest term, that the peace and unity of Nigeria is non negotiable.
“I and the other awardees are saying that all of us are called to continue to work at achieving the much desired peace and unity that we crave daily for our country.
“I am strongly of the belief that for the future of our nation to be assured, we must strive to build legacies of peace and unity.”
Gowon had recently described prayer as a formidable weapon that can solve the nation’s many challenges better and faster.
Comments