The search for unity among Nigerians and her future was at the center of a discourse as leaders from across the country met in Enugu, South East Nigeria at the launch of a project tagged “Handshake Across The Niger”.
The Nigerian unity project is at the instance of an Igbo socio-political organisation, Nzuko Umunna.
Various personalities from within and outside the country were in attendance to identify with the quest for national unity and cohesion among the various ethnic nationalities.
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Chairman of the event and the Tor Tiv of Gboko, Benue State in the Nigerian North Central region, Professor James Ortese described Nzuko Umunna as a symbol of strong unity that requires support to achieve its goals in building bridges for a new
Nigeria.
He notes that beyond the “Hand Shake Across the Niger”, there must be equity, justice and fairness for a united Nigeria.
Several speakers called for greater understanding between the Igbos of the Southeast region and the rest of other Nigerians as well as respect for one another.
Nigeria’s Human Rights Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome who was the Guest speaker, observes that one hundred years after the amalgamation, Nigeria was still in search of peace and unity, calling for a new Constitution that will guarantee for a greater and better Nigeria.
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuayi and the State’s Governor elect, Peter Mbah were among top dignitaries at the occasion, while the governors of Ebonyi and Imo States were represented.