The Owelle of Onitsha and son of Nigeria’s First President, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, has called for unity and patriotism among Nigerians as the nation marks her 52nd Independence anniversary.
Azikiwe made the call at his Inosi Onira home, Onitsha, Anambra State, when he hosted the 2012 Press Week Committee of the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the Chairman, Mrs.Tochukwu Odoji-Omelu yesterday.
The Owelle, who recalled the efforts of his late father, Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, and other Nigerian nationalists that fought for Nigeria’s Independence from British colonial rule, said in every situation Nigerians can always find common issues and factors that unite them, which they should build on to lift the nation to great heights.
“My father believed that if we try to find the things that we share in common with other people it becomes easier to stand united because there is a common front. So he would say let us emphasise our common values; let us concentrate on things that hold us together,” he said.
Azikiwe said the key to finding unity is for Nigerians to look at people as individuals and work with them. He urged that people should not look at the ethnic nationality of others in dealing with them.
He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for the positive contributions he has made towards democracy, particularly in the area of insisting that elections be free and fair in spite of pressure from his party to manipulate the elections.
Also, the general superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has called on leaders at all levels to work towards enhancing the living condition of Nigerians.
Kumuyi, who arrived Abuja for a four-day crusade entitled, “Divine Connection for Full Freedom, Fruitfulness and Security”, which is expected to be transmitted across the federation, Africa and beyond, spoke to journalists yesterday.
He urged Nigerians to have hope, because according to him when there is life there is hope. He added that whatever we can do to change the condition of people and make their livelihood and everything about them better, should be done.
He said: “We have this only one life to live and whatever we do at this time is what we would be remembered for. So, each one, the leadership and membership of every community, let them see that they endeavour to do something tangible, positive and progressive to be remembered for.”
On the expectations of the crusade which started yesterday and would end on Monday, October 1, 2012, he said participants should expect total transformation of their lives, adding that they should forget about the past and move forward with hopeful desires.