The Project One, a Non-Governmental Organization, has urged Nigeria’s leaders to emulate the legacies of its founding fathers and past heroes to unite the citizens for a better and stronger Nigeria.
The Convener of the group, Mrs. Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, made the plea on Wednesday in Abuja at the ‘2022 IAMANIGERIA Conference’ 5th edition, organized by the group.
According to her, Nigerian leaders should not to destroy the nations foundation through greed and selfishness but to uphold the nation with love and unity.
“A lot of people over the years have talked about the drought of worthy leaders in the nation. Leaders that are ready to take us to the next level and not bring us down as a nation and leaders that would consolidate on the legacies of our founding fathers and heroes’ past,” she said.
She also said that the group as part of its citizenship appreciation project, would continue to identify and appreciate outstanding leaders and other Nigerians who have contributed immensely to strengthening the nations foundation over the years.
She said, “Since we started project one in 2017, its being a progressive journey, we have appreciated the people who contributed to the national symbols.
“The national flag designer in 2017, in 2018 the national anthem writers, but this year alone, beyond just appreciating this people who have contributed, we are putting people on scholarships and encouraging them to focus on what is right.”
Also, the State Director, FCT Directorate, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Comfort Ogunmola, called for citizens recognition, appreciation and the award to outstanding Nigerians in order to boost patriotism.
She said that such appreciation would go a long way to boost the morale of the citizenry of the nation to do more, and give more.
On his part, Mr, Godswill Edward, a former Special Assistant on Sports and Cinematography, to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, urged Nigerians, especially the youths not to relent but ensure the country remained peaceful and united.
Edward who was one of the panelists at the conference said it was important for youths to take up leadership position and make a difference in the country.
He said, “Nigeria is not a geographical location, Nigeria is its people, so me and you must rise up, no one can build Nigeria for us, we must be the architect and drivers of Nigeria.
“A lot of people outside Nigeria are representing a country that does not exist, and I don’t want to represent a country that does not exist. You and I need to be a part and parcel of those who build the new Nigeria.”
Other highlights of the event was the presentation of a leadership award to the designer of Nigeria’s National Flag, Pa Micheal Akinkunmi and a posthumous ‘Difference Maker Award’ to late Mrs. Dora Akunyili, a former Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Scholarships as well as cash prizes were rewarded to some secondary school students in the FCT for their outstanding performance in an essay competition organized by the group.
Abdullahi Adavizi Abdulhafeez an SSI student of the Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), who said his ambition was to become a military officer (Army) was awarded a full scholarship till the end of his secondary school education, in honor of Mrs. Akunyili.
