He was speaking at the Joint Meeting of the Houses of Parliament of Jamaica, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, Kingston, Jamaica, Thursday, August 2, 2012
“It was only two years ago that our own country, Nigeria also marked the 50th anniversary of her independence. Although our two peoples are separated by distance, we share many things in common: a common heritage that spans centuries and generations, as well as political and cultural linkages.
“It is not lost upon us that we have come to Jamaica at a time of great national renewal, of hope and belief that a determined people can prevail and overcome any challenges that may be thrown at them irrespective of time and space.”
“We must put together, frameworks for action to support needed collaboration in this vital area. We must also work together to secure and guarantee human, civil and other basic rights that support nation building.
“But the other truth is that the Black race is still at war against poverty, against diseases, ethnic conflicts and underdevelopment. This must be addressed. There is the need for Nigeria and Jamaica, and indeed the rest of the world, to work together to reduce the level of those artificial forces that have kept the majority of our people from making progress.”
