Sunday Okobi
A national socio-political group in Nigeria, the National Prosperity Movement (NPM) has expressed commitment to provide a platform for illustrious Nigerians from all walks of life and representatives of diverse interests and groups to have a meaningful conversation on the themes of peace, unity, equity and nation-building through its upcoming National Unity Summit in Abuja.
The summit, according to the Director, Research & Strategy, NPM, Julius Ogunro, which would take place in Abuja, on December 1, 2021, would also provide new perspectives to the issues of equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for Nigerians, “and in the end, stimulate the process of national healing, understanding and progress.”
According to a statement yesterday, dignitaries expected at the august event include elder statesman and retired military General, IBM Haruna, who is to chair of the event; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Simon Lalong; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Governor Sani Bello of Niger State.
Others are the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, who will deliver the keynote address, and Prof. Doyin Salami, chairman of the Presidential Economic Council.
The Director-General of the NPM, Hon Ahmad Sajoh was quoted to have said: ‘’We believe that we can have a productive dialogue about these emotive issues in a rational manner, devoid of the counter-accusations that have lately characterised national conversations, and yet arrive at the need for unity and belief in the future prospect of our country.’’
He added: “This summit, with the theme: ‘The Imperative of Unity’, is expedient at this time when there is increasing irredentism and hate-crimes across the country, which appear to be fanned by rising intolerance, nepotism, and mutual suspicion across the nation’s social and political space.
‘’We cannot have too much of dialogue when peace and national interests are at stake. We can begin the process of healing and national reconciliation by understanding our fears and concerns, and then work towards addressing these issues in a calm and rational manner.”
