Abdusalami, Danjuma, Nwachukwu in Anambra, Preach Unity in Nigeria

  •  Extol Anyaoku’s service in diplomatic community

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Nigeria’s former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, General Theophilus Danjuma and Senator Ike Nwachukwu, wednesday, at Nnamdi Azikiwe University preached unity among all the geo-political zones in the country.

Abubakar who was special guest at the launching of Emeka Anyaoku’s Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy, at the university in Awka, Anambra State, urged Nigerian youths to build on the legacies of Nigerian founding fathers to ensure the country does not break up.

He said the nation’s diversity must be positively explored by all for its continued existence.
He underscored the importance of peace and unity for any society that desires meaningful growth and development, saying the various agitations across the country would further tear the nation apart.

“We must allow peace to reign without which development would be impossible. Altogether, there is strength in diversity. All hands must be on deck to make our great Nigeria greater.” he said.

Also speaking, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, who chaired the occasion, said nothing was wrong with restructuring, but it must be implemented without violence.

He noted that Nigeria, which he described as wonderful, had witnessed only a civil war, insisting that the youths cannot afford to allow it to disintegrate.

Nwachukwu described Anyaoku as a man with great wisdom whose immense advice he had benefited from.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, said the diplomatic service of Anyaoku informed the choice of his naming of the institution after him.

Responding, the celebrant, Chief Anyaoku, expressed happiness over the encomiums showered on him by the dignitaries while thanking the university for the honor conferred on him in his lifetime.

He said he devoted over 50 years of his lifetime to international service, promoting cordial relationship between nations, resolving political crisis as well as tackling global challenges including climate change and terrorism.

Anyaoku however noted that his major challenge had been his inability to document his personal papers like his predecessors in the Commonwealth, which he said the institute had provided the platform for him to accomplish.

“One major challenge I have is my inability to deposit my personal papers which arose during my service as third Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

“I am glad that Nnamdi Azikiwe University has provided the opportunity to help deposit my personal papers and books I have written.” he said.

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