Public Affairs analyst and Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Richbrands Group, Lekan Abioye, in this interview, opposed suggestions that 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation should not be celebrated because it was a mistake. According to him, the unity of the country in spite of enormous of challenges calls for celebration.
ABIOYE okIs Nigeria’s 100 years of amalgamation worth celebrating?
For the fact that we are 100 years against the odds of bad leadership, insecurity, etc, is worth celebrating. For Nigeria to be together for 100yearrs; the North and South particularly coming together is worthy of celebration.
It is an avenue for some of us who did not witness the real amalgamation to witness the 100 years celebration. It is something for some of us who are alive at this point to hold as landmark for the Amalgamation celebration.
On comments that the amalgamation was not necessary
I can’t tell you whether that view is right or wrong because every man is entitled to his opinion. However, as a positive person, I want to look at it from the benefit of us being one as a country, culture diversification under one umbrella is a plus for us.
I can tell you something about all tribes in Nigeria; Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik; it’s because we are one. My children learn about culture in school, it’s an advantage.
In term of population strength, we have an edge. Take a cue from the old and new time world power – Soviet Union, U.S.A, China, population made them distinct.
How do you want the centenary celebrated?
As far as I am concerned, I want a celebration that will cut across, not a celebration just for the high and mighty in Abuja that people in the remote parts cannot be part of. The people make a nation.
The celebration should involve everyone: Christian, Muslim, old, young, and every one. It should be an accessible celebration; everyone should be actively involved without any barrier. When people participate, it will leave a memory in them, they will be proud to be Nigerians. All differences must be set aside to celebrate Nigeria.
Is that possible considering Nigeria’s population and landmass?
Absolutely, we have seen political campaigns where millions of people gather to celebrate a party. This time around, for the purpose of what connects us as Nigerians, we can do better.
Nigerians have been seen to have lost their pride. There was a time when we did not need visa to travel to the U.K. Then, Nigerians were proud to be Nigerians but now, the pride is lost. There are things we can do during this celebration to re-ignite that true spirit of Nigeria.
From our end at Richbrands Group, we have packaged a world class event which we call “Nigeria’s Call Obey” carved out from the National Anthem. Back in the days, when you recite the anthem, you feel so proud by connecting with the content and rhythm of the anthem. Nowadays, we do not even live the content of the anthem. Some people do not even know the anthem.
We want to reinforce the strength of our unity. We want to stamp the National Anthem as an iconic national pride. We want to bring Nigerians from all ethnic group and sector to sing the National Anthem together. We want to connect people home and abroad to celebrate the nation. We want to bring people who have made Nigerians proud together. We want to bring people on the street together – bringing back the spirit of Nigeria.
This project is set to bring as much as 10 million people to participate – meaning that in every family, at least one person will participate.
We also want to have families come together, sing the National Anthem, record the video and upload it to a dedicated You Tube channel.
This will go a long way to making us proud Nigerians again. This project also is set to establish a clear cut world record.
As at today, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD has given us the go-ahead to break a record in the category of “The Most People Singing The National Anthem Together” and with the endorsement of the Federal Government, support of private sector, and the people, we possess the technical know-how, the modality and good understanding of how to connect this to the people.
We believe this event will herald the re-birth of the lost spirit of Nigeria.We are bringing 100 celebrities across sectors to lead one million people. It is a celebration of Nigeria project – leaving something behind for the unborn children.
This is also a signal to the outside world – showing them that we are proud of ourselves. We are not lonely, we are one, we are not disintegrated and we are patriotic.
Culled from The Nigerian Vanguard.
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