Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential contender for the 2023 election, has urged political and religious leaders to foster harmony among the nation’s ethnic groups.
In a statement he signed to commemorate the National Youth Service Corps’ 50th anniversary, the former vice president issued the charge.
In order to promote national unity in the wake of a terrible civil war between the Nigerian State and the Republic of Biafra that lost millions of lives, notably children, the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon (retired) founded the NYSC program on May 22, 1973.
“I use this opportunity to urge politicians, religious figures, and other influential figures to continue promoting inter-group harmony since division breeds hatred, which in turn breeds conflicts. We should constantly speak in ways that foster love and unity and refrain from saying things that inflame sour tensions and intolerance.
We are reminded that the National Youth Service Corps remains one of the most important policies ever developed in Nigeria as we commemorate its 50th anniversary. General Yakubu Gowon deserves praise and thanks for coming up with the wonderful idea to strengthen national unity in the wake of the devastating Nigerian civil war.
“Building a strong country requires unity because a divided country is a weakened country, which is also my political platform.
The statement said, “At the same time, I urge a review of the NYSC scheme’s mandate to reflect the needs of the present reality.”
