Youths, most especially students of secondary schools and corps members have been advised to be ambassadors of unity of Nigeria and to coexist with others without sentiments along the lines of religion and ethnicity.
This advice was given by Speakers and Trainers at the maiden edition of ISpeakUnityNigeria workshop and contest held at the National Assembly on Thursday.
The programme was organized by corps members Ismahil Abefe Tiamiyu and Calista Ijeoma Njoku both serving in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Corpers who are advocates of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations tagged the project ‘ISpeakUnityNigeria and was according to them, aimed at inculcating in the minds of the younger generation, the spirit of harmonious co-existence among one another without sentiment along the lines of religion and ethnicity.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of OneNigeria, Mr Chukwuemeka Ephraim Okenwa who was the lead speaker at the event stated that Nigeria has come to stay and that, that which binds us together is bigger than any factor put forward by those who desire to have it broken.
“Nigeria has marked hundred years of coming together as a nation. Despite grumbling and internal rancour, we keep waxing stronger as a people. What everyone should know is that those factors that bind us as a nation are greater, mightier and stronger than any factor that some may put forward as reason for division.
“More so, Nigeria has passed through several stages of chaos that if it was meant to break, then it should have long been broken. No country can go through civil war and still remain united. But Nigeria did!
Mr Okenwa advised youths to see that their inputs are unprecedentedly needed in nation’s building and as such, should keep on developing their capacity and leadership skills.
The Director General of National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari who was represented by the Principal Programme Officer of the agency, Mrs Immaculate Oyegade tasked youth on patriotism to their fatherland, Nigeria, as that is the best way towards having a country of their dreams.
Mrs Oyegade stated that the agency keyed into the programme of the Corps members because of its tendency to eradicate crisis among Nigerians and thus make the country a peaceful one.
Speaking earlier, one of the Conveners, Ismahil Tiamiyu revealed that the project was born out of a passion to have a Nigeria everyone desires. 
He said, “The motive behind this training is to have a Nigeria we all desire, a country where being a Nigerian will be the only criterion and not where you come from or the language you speak. A nation where my competence and not belief or origin will determine where I will be.
“Also, looking at the goal sixteen of the SDGs which is Peace, Justice and Strong Institution. One will realize that younger minds are the real tools towards the attainment of the goal”.
Miss Calista Njoku in her own speech stated that “North, East, West and South, we all are one for the same sun that shines on one shines on the other, thus it is a conscious personal decision everyone has to make to ensure that peace, unity and oneness is preached and practised in a diverse and culturally concentrated nation as ours. The onus, therefore, lies on each one to create an atmosphere of love, unity and peace for only then will our lofty dreams of a better tomorrow built on a stable today be achieved.
Speaking further she, said, “my co-convener is Yoruba and I’m Igbo, he’s Muslim and I’m Christian, he’s a male and I’m female; what better way can we set the mantra rolling if not becoming ambassadors of peace ourselves and setting standards for ‘United indeed we stand and divided, we fall’.
Peak of the event was a debate contest among the six secondary schools in attendance with JSS Tundun-wada beating others to clinch first position.
Dignitaries at the event include The NYSC SDGs CDS schedule officer, Mrs Rosheedat Tijani, Representatives from Universal Basic Education Board, Teachers, Members of staff of the National Assembly and so many others.
