Information Minister tasks Nigerians on nation’s diversity, unity

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria’s diversity is a source of strength, urging citizens to promote unity and mutual understanding.

Idris said this on Friday when he attended the wake-keep of the late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar in Obudu, Cross River State.

According to him, what binds Nigerians together is far greater than what divides them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogar, who died at the age of 76, was an elder brother to Senator Ben Ayade and Dr. Frank Ayade.

In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Saturday in Abuja, the minister said the gathering reflected the richness of Nigeria’s diversity and the ability of citizens to unite in solidarity.

Idris said: “What I have seen today is the diversity of Nigeria and how it can be further harnessed to promote unity in this country. 

“Nigerians from all walks of life are Nigerians first.

“We must, therefore, celebrate them wherever they are.”

While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Idris said that the occasion also provided an opportunity to honour a life that fostered unity among people.

“It is a moment of sorrow that he has passed on, but also a moment of gratitude that he lived a worthy life, one that helped bring people together,” the Minister said.

He called on Nigerians to continue to promote unity and shared values, while leveraging the country’s diverse cultures and traditions as assets for national development.

“We must strengthen our unity, uphold our shared values, and also see our diversity as a resource that can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” he said.

Idris said that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and their collective ability to rise above differences in pursuit of the common good.

Present at the wake were the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Peter Odey; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade; Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; and Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.