Critical stakeholders have called for national unity, reconciliation and merit based leadership as key steps toward addressing Nigeria’s political and socio economic challenges.
According to a report by The Guardian, the stakeholders made the call during a national youth conference organised by PowerShift Africa in Kano, where speakers stressed the need for Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions in pursuit of national development.
They argued that the country’s political elite must redefine the purpose of the Nigerian project and address the differences that continue to threaten national cohesion and progress.
Speaking at the conference, former vice presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Dr. Umma Abdullahi Getso, expressed concern over growing hatred and discrimination among ethnic groups, describing it as a major obstacle to national progress.
She lamented what she called the artificial divisions created over the years, noting that many Nigerians now face discrimination even within their own states and local government areas.
“I pray for a Nigeria where people will not have to identify themselves by religion, state of origin or local government before they are recognised as true Nigerians,” she said.
Getso urged young people to reject hatred and embrace peace, love and patriotism, stressing that national unity remains the foundation for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Igwe of the Igbo Community in Kano State, Igwe Ikechukwu Oliver Abodo, said Nigeria’s unity must remain paramount despite ethnic and political differences.
The traditional ruler, who has lived in Kano for many years, said he considers the state his home and believes opportunities should be shared without regard to tribe.
“I do not discriminate against anyone because of tribe. When opportunities come my way, I share them with everyone because I believe we are one people,” he said.
Igwe Abodo maintained that leadership should be determined by competence and the ability to deliver good governance rather than ethnicity or regional considerations. He also expressed concern over widespread poverty despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources.
Representing the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Professor Abubakar Aliyu Sanusi, the Danmadamin Kano, described the conference theme as timely and significant. He said Nigeria is at a critical crossroads and requires honest reflection to address insecurity, poverty, injustice, corruption, ethnic and religious tensions and weak institutions.
Speaking as an economist, Sanusi argued that any economic policy that fails to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens is ineffective, adding that current policies have worsened poverty and hardship.
Earlier, the Executive Director of PowerShift Africa, Nonso Nnamani, said the conference was convened to promote national conversation on reconciliation, unity and nation building.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not leadership, infrastructure or education, but the deep divisions that have fragmented the country. He argued that ethnic and political actors have continued to exploit these divisions for personal gain while ordinary Nigerians bear the burden of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.
Nnamani stressed that genuine national development cannot be achieved without addressing the issue of unity.
“We believe every successful nation is driven by a shared vision or dream. Nigeria has yet to define such a collective vision, and until we do, governments will continue to pursue narrow political and ethnic interests rather than long term national goals,” he said.
He further called for a national dialogue that would revisit Nigeria’s history, promote reconciliation among its diverse ethnic groups and establish a shared vision for future generations.
According to him, the conference aims to symbolically demonstrate reconciliation among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities while encouraging continued conversations on building a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
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