Fellow Nigerians By Diplomat Abraham John Onoja
A New Year is upon us. A New Year that could usher in a new era of hope for all of us. While we have achieved a great deal, we should not, however, mark this New Year in a spirit of self congratulation, but rather as an occasion for calm and sober reflection. We need to take stock of the tasks and challenges that still lie ahead. Yet it is an index of the advances we have made that the opportunity to set Nigeria firmly on the road to stability is with us.
During Christmas and New Year, dedicated to peace and goodwill to all, I appeal to all the leaders of our people, be they in the civics, the mass movement, the trade unions, womens’ or youth organisations, cultural or educational bodies, the churches, the mosques or in business, to spare no effort to make Peace and unity reign supreme. For the sake of our children, for the future of our country, and to ensure that the democratic order so many have sacrificed so much to achieve is not still-born, the killings must stop now. Not another life should be lost in this futile violence.
As we enter the New Year, we cannot forget those of our fellow citizens whose lot is the despair of homelessness, hunger and poverty. The future we seek to build will be seriously flawed if it cannot address this national problem.
We realise that many Nigerians are deeply concerned about the future, particularly the question of creating a vibrant and growing economy, quality and efficient healthcare, employment opportunities amongst others. The speed with which we can achieve this is dependent on progress made towards fundamental change.
Let us begin this New Year by resolving not to perpetuate distinct racial, ethnic and language groups, which are the legacy of our bondage, but to act as fellow Nigerians, as bothers and sisters, ready and willing to work together. Let us seize this opportunity to make a new beginning by creatively harnessing what is best in our past to build for the future.
There is a role and place for everyone in our country. Let us set aside narrow sectoral and party political interests to serve the greater national interest that will guarantee a future of peace, stability and prosperity for all.
To the extent that we all do this, 2022 can indeed become a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
I wish you all a happy new year.
God bless us all.
Diplomat Abraham John Onoja (DAJO)
Writes from Lagos
