The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has called on need to carve a new agenda for Nigeria; hence the need for a total re-orientation of national core values to avoid disintegration.
Penpushing reports that, Gbajabiamila made the call at the 10th annual symposium organized by Muslim Students Society of Nigeria(MSSN) held on Saturday, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta with the theme; Saving A Nation On the Precipice.
The Speaker who was the Chairman at the occasion and represented by a member of House of Representatives from Ifo/Ewekoro constituency,Hon Ibrahim Isiaka lauded the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria(MSSN) B-zone for the choice of the topic ,stressing that every stakeholder is enjoined to be an advocate of one Nigeria .
Penpushing further reports that, the guest speaker at the ceremony, on the theme, ‘Saving the Nation on the precipice: Between Re-Federation and Secessionism’, Prof Mahfouz Adedimeji , recalled issues that have made the country on the brim of collapse.
The lecturer posited that for the country to come out of all secessionist agitations there is need to shun religious bigotry, ethnic jingoism, socio-economic inequality, while upholding the cultural values and morals.
Penpushing reports that, Adedimeji emphaised that Nigeria cannot be greater than Nigerians; therefore it is the responsibility of all citizens to join hands to make the country better and to stir the ship away from the looming iceberg.
“It appears evidently that leadership plays a vital role in making desirable changes happen. There is no doubt that a good leadership across board and purposive commitment to curbing ourselves of religious bigotry, ethnic jingoism, socio-economic inequality and moral atrophy, Nigeria will still be dancing in the same circle. But regardless of the challenges the country may be facing, dismemberment isn’t a solution. This too shall pass”, he stressed.
Penpushing further reports that, in similar vein, in his own presentation titled,’ ‘On All Fronts: Facing the fate of a falling Giant’, Prof. Sola Olorunyomi of the Institution of African Studies, University of Ibadan explained that the problem facing the country is not an isolated case, and appealed to citizens on need to raise above ethnicity to save the country.
The Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alh. Shuaib Salisu applauds the students society for organising the symposium at a critical time in the history of the country.
Penpushing reports that, Abiodun posited that the discussion about the unity and integration of the all cracks in the country is everyone’s duty, adding that his administration will do all in its powers to support the Muslim society.
The Zonal Amir of the Society, Quasim Odedeji in an interview with journalists at the event , stated that the symposium became necessary to address the current prevailing issues of national concern.
“We are in a very precarious situation. Insecurity has permeated all nooks and crannies of our nation. Nobody can sleep with their two eyes closed. Incessant killings, farmers-herders crisis, Kidnappings, armed robbery and banditry has become the order of the day. It is against this backdrop that we selected the theme, the topic and discussants that are round pegs in round holes to lead today’s discussion”, he added.
The Vice- Chancellor,Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara state , in his submission pointed out that disintegration could only worsen the situation of the country, declaring that Nigerians are better off staying together as one nation .
Penpushing also reports that, dignitaries at the symposium includes the Speaker of the Ogun State house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, Commissioner for information, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, and Education Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu
The other personalities are: a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Adejojo, Registrar, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Residents’ Electoral Commissioner (INEC) Oyo State, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, and member, board of trustees Muslim Students Society of Nigeria(MSSN), Alhaji Musbau Oyepejo among others.
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