Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has emphasised the need for cohesion among the different tribe and language groups in Nigeria, saying this is the only way to honour the memories of fallen soldiers who fought in the civil war from 1967 to 1970 to keep Nigeria one.
Also, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, said the sacrifices of the fallen heroes must not be allowed to be in vain as they paid the supreme price to make Nigeria one indivisible entity.
Both the governor and the Oba spoke at the wreathe laying ceremony in memories of the fallen Nigerian soldiers to mark the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held Friday at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Arcade, Lagos Island.
According to Ambode, national cohesion will help the country to harness its potentials for socio-political and economic growth.
“We honour and remember our fallen heroes; without them there will be no Nigeria as we speak. It is important that beyond remembering them we should also rededicate our lives in a manner that we will always remember that the cohesion of Nigeria is so significant and it is important to hold Nigeria together. That is the significance of this particular event,” Ambode said.
On the threats posed by the Boko Haram sect in the nation’s North-East and pro-Biafra agitation in the South East, Ambode said: “They are no threats. It is something that is being fully combated by the Federal Government. As you can see, we are having improvement on the security of the country itself. My advice to Nigerians is that the unity of the country is more important than anything we can think of.
“It is only when we are united that we can make progress. That is what we are saying; we are so particular about the development of this country. The country is bigger and more important than the agitations of some individuals. We advise every Nigerian that the cohesion of this country is paramount to this government and that is what we are going to do.”
Oba Rilwan Akiolu I said the enormous sacrifice the fallen heroes made for the country cannot the wished away by mere selfish interests, saying the best way to honour them is to ensure national cohesion security and development.
“We recognise the sacrifice they made for the continuous existence of this country, we pray for them, their families and ourselves. We will redouble all our efforts to keep Nigeria together, to be honest, to be cooperative and behave in God’s own way,” the monarch said.
JOSHUA BASSEY
