Commonwealth Day: FG challenges Nigerian youths on national unity

Clement Idoko – Abuja

The Federal Government has called on all young people in Nigeria to shun violence while embracing dialogue in the resolution of differences so as to promote peace and national unity for the unfettered development of the country.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for the observance of the 2023 Commonwealth Day holding on Monday, 13th March 2023 with the theme ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’.

Adamu said Nigeria would always continue to maximize the dividends of being part of the supportive community of 56 member nations across Africa, Asia, America, Caribbean Europe and the Pacific.

Speaking on the significance of the commemoration of the Commonwealth Day, the Minister said the member States promote commonwealth shared values every year during the commemoration and that in view of the conflict situation in some of the Commonwealth countries, like Nigeria and globally, this year’s celebration is calling on all young people to raise a ‘Flag of Peace’.

Adamu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Andrew Adejo, said the selection of a theme for the 2023 celebration of the Commonwealth Day was a demonstration of their commitment to inculcate those values that would engender national unity and a sustainable peaceful future for all.

“You would all agree that this call can not come at a more auspicious time than now as our young people begin to progressively shun violence and adapt dialogue as a means of redress,” he said.

He also used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government towards the implementation of the Safe School Initiative for enhanced protection of schools, children and teachers across the country.

The Federal Government has equally directed the management of respective State Ministries of Education nationwide to equally put in place programmes in all their educational institutions to commemorate the Day.

“At the Federal level and as part of activities leading up to the Commonwealth Day, some private and public Schools including Federal Unity Colleges within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs participated in the commemoration quiz competition which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, second (2nd) Floor podium, Federal Ministry of Education, Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, 16th February 2023

“Each of the selected schools nominated two students to participate in the written test on English language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Current Affairs and Commonwealth Questions. The highest ten (10) scorers regardless of the school competed in the oral quiz and the best Three (3) winners would be rewarded handsomely.

“The 3rd- 9th runners-up will also receive consolation prizes on the commemoration Day. It is important to note that the test scripts were marked and the scores released immediately for credibility, transparency and accountability.

“I want to use this opportunity to urge all State Ministries of Education to encourage their pupils and Students to mark the Day for the promotion of tolerance, respect, understanding, and moderation which are necessary values for peace, prosperity and democracy to be entrenched,” he said.

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