MOVING FORWARD, BUILDING ONE NIGERIA- Tope Robert

Distinguished Admins;

Career Individuals;

Businessmen and Women;

Politicians;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I count it a privilege and honour to be asked to speak on this auspicious occasion of our reunion.

Like earlier speakers have stated, it has been one year since we met and it has been a huge blessing to connect with young talented and brilliant minds like you from all over the country.

I personally believe that every one I meet as I journey in life is a part of the story I am creating.

I have been asked to speak on the topic

MOVING FORWARD, BUILDING ONE NIGERIA

I consider myself a full Nigerian as I have travelled to up-to 25 states of the country.

I was born in the North, I am from The middle Belt by origin, I Grew up in the South-South, Schooled and served in the North.

I have been privileged to witness the vast diversity of our nation. Our tribes are alien to one another, yet we identify as one Nigeria unfortunately this has served as a tool for division in our 108 year history as a Nation.

Another major dividing line that has been of great threat to our stay together as one state Nation is religion.

It is paramount to note that we are first Nigerians before we identify with any religion.

I believe we as a people can become the foundation of a Nigeria where Emeka from the east is not sleeping with one eyes closed while he does his electronics sales business and practice his religious beliefs in the Northern part of the country.

Likewise Danjuma from the North should be able to do his Animal Husbandry business and practice his religion peacefully in the South East.

This would forever remain a dream if in one way or the other, we don't see that together we will always achieve more.

The security situation in the north remains a threat to everyone living there no matter the tribal or religious affiliations.

Tolerance is a necessary requirement for peaceful coexistence. This is essential because we will never be the same yet we have to live and work together at various points.

Tolerance entails allowing everyone the freedom to practice their beliefs as far as it doesn't encroach into yours and not encroaching into others.

Secondly, forgiveness by aggrieved tribes and religions. If you belong to a tribe or religion that has been clearly marginalized and treated with contempt, the best bet is not retaliation. Retaliation and revenge keeps the cycle of war from generation to generation till the world ends. If you belong to the other side of the coin. The call is for you to engage your people as the case may be to sheat their swords and embrace peace.

We may not be in the best of positions to enact some of these points but true change begins with one heart. 

So much has been lost to insecurity, corruption and gross mismanagement.

 Partisan politics may have evolved to be tools for witch-hunt and selective justice apportionment.

Always remember, Nigeria comes before whatever political party you may want to affiliate with.

There has not been a time where we need selfless grassroot politicians void of guide and corruption who are willing to deliver the dividends of democracy without looting the coffers of public funds to fund their greed.

The downward spiral that has been created cannot be solved in one generation and that's why the path to recovery is the only wise choice for everyone.

I wouldn't want you to only take out the issues that mitigate against oneness in Nigeria from my points but also the solutions I have stated in pockets.

You cannot change the country at once but like I earlier stated. True change starts one heart a time.

Moving Forward

Life is about having the right values and the right Networks.

Right Networks come from a community of diverse but like minded people.

I will propose we have networks for job opportunities, business opportunities shared in the group.

Within this group

We have brilliant young minds in all spheres willing to embrace the task of building lasting legacies in whatever they do.

Lastly, make it a duty to empower the young people around you. I always have a form of mental empowerment for young minds everywhere I find myself. If we combine efforts together all over the nation. We may as well salvage the next generation from more rot.

Thank you for reading!

Tope Robert 

                                                                      

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Location: Abuja, Nigeria

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