[Before this speech at the Conference, Prof. Dora Akunyili was asked to
sit due to her health condition, but she refused to sit and delivered
her speech standing.]
Nigerians have for long clamoured for an
opportunity such as this to discuss our problems and come up with
solutions that will strengthen the bond of our nationhood. I regard this
national conference as President Jonathan’s best centenary gift to
Nigerians, and a proof that he is a listening president.
Mr.
President’s speech oozes humility, modesty, patriotism and a deep
concern for the present and future of this beautiful country, Nigeria.
Mr. President in that speech admitted that sovereignty belongs to the
people. And those in authority are only holding power on trust for the
people and of course that nobody has monopoly of knowledge. Hence, the
decision for convening this conference. One thing that stands out from
Mr. President’s speech is that there is no trace of negativism.
For
instance, he made it clear that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable and
our duty at this conference is to discuss ways to build a stronger and
better Nigeria and I totally agree with him.
I am convinced that
Nigeria should remain as one nation after 100 years despite her
challenges because our common values overwhelm our differences.
Apart
from our long history of togetherness, we’ve also enjoyed many decades
of inter-marriages and mutual co-existence. We have to make sure that
this conference delivers on the true spirit of Mr. President’s speech.
While
we discuss the value of unity as written in his speech, we must realise
that millions of Nigerians are being discriminated against in various
parts of this country where they are born; where their forefathers
lived; based on the so-called state of origin.
The founding
fathers of Nigeria had a dream of building a united, prosperous, and
developed nation state where social justice reigns. We also have to
continue to dream because once we stopped dreaming then life is gone.
In conclusion, I am convinced that Nigeria will work and fulfil its destiny.
I
therefore look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart
the way for a better a new Nigeria. We all want to see a positive
transform Nigeria and I therefore urge all of us to work individually
and collectively so as to set the right agenda for the Nigeria of our
dream.
Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates, I leave you with the
words of these Greek proverb “A society grows great when old men plant
trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
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