As Nigeria is marking its 63rd independence anniversary, a Political Group, Christian Youths in Politics (CYP) has said that there is the need to make concerted efforts to restore key factors that previously helped to cement the bond of unity in the country.
The group urges Nigerians to shun divisiveness and ensure unity and peaceful co-existence.
It said as part of its efforts to ensure speedy peaceful co-existence among various ethnic and religious adherents in the country, it is organising a ‘maiden Peaceful Co-existence Conference’ in Lagos on October 28, 2023.
Addressing a Press Conference at the weekend, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Conference, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo said the group is not oblivious of the fact that the void created by the age long disunity in the country has posed a debilitating effect on the development of our society.
He said that, this is what prompted the group to organise Nigerian Peaceful Coexistence Conference.
“We remain committed to promoting peaceful co-existence in the country through continue dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders.
“By our estimated projection well over 1000 participants from diverse backgrounds, religious shades and beliefs will be coming together to discuss issues related to peaceful co-existence in Nigeria”.
He said the proposed conference programme will include amongst others; keynote speeches, Plenary sessions, panel discussions and breakout sessions that will afford participants avenues to familiarize and see the issues confronting the nation as one that require holistic approach to proffer lasting solutions.
“The conference will highlight the need for greater inter religious and inter -ethnic dialogue and also emphasize the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding among Nigerians from different backgrounds.
“Participants will also discussed ways to combat hate speech, discrimination and violence in the country”.
Also speaking, a Board of Trustees member of the group, Ambassador Kolawole Princess said those expected at the conference include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Mrs Tamunominini Makinde and officials of Lagos State Government among other dignitaries.
