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Nigerians Mark Anniversary of ‘Center of Unity’
Written by Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general, UPF-Nigeria
Monday, December 12, 2016
Abuja, Nigeria— UPF-Nigeria commemorated the 25th anniversary of the movement of the nation’s Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja.
The UPF-Nigeria Ambassadors for Peace Committee on National Unification held a special event on December 12, 2016, at the National Merit Award House in Abuja’s Maitama district.
The meeting brought together the traditional ruler and chiefs of the town of Kwali, including the Etsu of Kwali, the traditional ruler of the district of Garki and a visiting traditional ruler from Ondo State in South West Nigeria as well as the senior special adviser on disability matters to President Muhammadu Buhari, and other invited guests, including members of the Nigerian chapter of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an organization that is affiliated with UPF.
Participants called on the federal government of Nigeria to proclaim December 12 as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and National Unity Day. This day, they said, should be devoted to celebrating commitments, dedication and accomplishments toward the unification of Nigeria and for promoting activities that will foster interreligious cooperation and interethnic integration as well as creating more centers of unity across the country.
Participants also called for greater inclusiveness for the original inhabitants of the FCT in the efforts of the government to promote social cohesion. As part of efforts to promote national unity and integration, the government of Nigeria relocated the nation's capital from Lagos to Abuja on December 12, 1991, and tagged Abuja as the "center of unity."
Speaking on strengthening the center for unity for national unification, the national president of FFWPU-Nigeria, Rev. George Ogurie, emphasized the need for all Nigerians to live together as members of one family under God. He called on leaders to avoid discriminatory policies and programs for the sake of national unity.
The event also featured a performance of “Unity Song” by children of FFWPU-Nigeria members, the presentation of the official portrait of the UPF founders to the traditional rulers, and the designation of some Nigerians as Ambassadors for Peace who will be working to support the unification of Nigeria.
Representatives of the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria attended the event and reported about the meeting for the national network news.
More photos available online: https://goo.gl/photos/zKq3MkMk7b62az348
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