Funmi Lawrence
The Federal Government on Monday urged Nigerians to continue to commit to the promotion of unity in diversity for the common good of the country.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, gave the advice in Abuja as Nigeria joins other 53 Commonwealth Nations to celebration the 2021 Commonwealth Day.
The theme of the event was “Delivering a Commonwealth Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming”.
Adamu was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukuemeka Nwajiuba.
He said the celebration should be a wake-up call to spur the commonwealth nations to a strong commitment to the charter which entails positive change for the benefit of all.
According to him, one of the beautiful things about Commonwealth of Nations is the efforts made to give all nations a sense of belonging.
“Membership became voluntary and it is important that as we celebrate, the bond and benefits of mutual cooperation that form the ending support system be solidified.
“The onus lies on us to uphold those enviable virtues in all spheres of life.’’ Adamu said.
He added that through the commonwealth hub, nations had been able to access timely information, materials, digital skills and knowledge exchange for teachers and students for continued leaning.
Also, the Minister of State for Education, Nwajiuba, said there was need for commonwealth nations to expand quality education to take care of the vulnerable group using all forms of innovation.
Nwajiuba, represented by the Director, Education Support Services in the ministrty, Dr Lydia Giginna, called for unity of purpose to enhance the goals of member countries.
He described the theme of the 2021 celebration apt, adding that as it would key into the commitment to be mutually supportive, promote good governance and empower the vulnerable groups using knowledge and natural resources.
Mr Geoffery Onyeama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need for enhanced cooperation toward the shared goals of commonwealth nations.
Onyeama said that the coming together of the commonwealth nations represented a global partnership and engagements among member countries to tackle emerging challenges facing them.
“It is hopeful that the partnerships and engagements of the commonwealth nations will no doubt take the countries to another level.
“As Nigeria, we also make our contributions for the principles commonwealth countries stand for.
“We have been tackling emerging challenges our nations are faced with but we need to further enhance cooperation toward our common shared goal,’’ he said.
The minister enjoined the youths to be good ambassador of commonwealth nations in order to build the commonwealth of their dreams.
Similarly, Mr Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, represented by Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), called on member countries to focus on high innovations capable of developing the nations.
Echono said that although culture and tradition promote common linkages among member nations, there was also need to translate this to service delivery for total collaboration.
