Despite her potpourri of problems, Nigeria remains a great country with her abundance of natural and human resources. The beauty in her cultural diversity and multilingualism is simply astonishing. Evidently, it is a blessed nation. In terms of weather, God is clement with Nigeria. While many other countries of the world are dying of extreme coldness, Nigerians enjoy temperate atmospheric condition. The land as well, is suitable for all manner of cropping.
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The size of this country is another major advantage. Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa and one of the most populous countries of the world. The cultural diversity and sweetness in this tremendous size represent a big advantage, if properly harnessed. From Lagos to Maiduguri, Calabar to Ibadan and Aba to Damaturu, it is so rewarding moving around to savour the gift of nature and what people are doing with what they have. Those who have moved round Nigeria will not pray for the dismemberment of this country. We are obviously better in unity. Perhaps the only requirement for this much-desired unity is the current mantra in town: restructuring towards equity and justice. If the leadership is courageous enough to initiate a process of social, political and economic fairness and equity, this country will certainly become a Paradise on earth.
However, apart from football competition between Nigeria and any other country of the world, which usually generates national unity, nothing else advertises Nigeria’s unity. The wedding ceremony that took place in Plateau State capital, recently interestingly also breeds bonding. It was a society wedding that brought together Nigerians from various cultural backgrounds. A wedding ceremony which attracted 10 First Ladies (governors’ wives) from different states of the federation clearly merited the appellation of “society weeding.”
It was the wedding ceremony of Mr. Sam Waklek and his lover, Maryam Awu. The young Waklek is the son of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, University of Ibadan, Nde Mutka Waklek- a retired Accountant- General of Plateau State. Luckily, one of the daughters of Nde Joshau Waklek is the wife of Governor Simon Lalong. In other words, Pa Waklek is the governor’s father-in-law.
In solidarity with the Council Chairman, the University of Ibadan raised a 10 -man delegate to attend the wedding ceremony of his son, with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka leading the UI’s team to Jos, the venue of the solemnization of the holy matrimony. On the VC’s entourage were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the DVC (Academic), Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto, University’s Bursar, Dr. Michael Alatise, and the University’s Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Olubukunola Komolafe-Opadeji.
Others were Prof. Mohammed Yahaya of Agronomy Department, the Deputy Registrar; (Council), Mr. Ibunkun Ajibola; university’s Protocol Officer, Mr. Samuel Badejo as well as this writer, who is Media Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
Upon arriving Jos, the delegate paid a courtesy call on the governor’s father-in-law where the rich cultural ambience of Plateaus was excitedly experienced. We were warmly welcome with pomp and ceremony. Plateau people are said to be so hospitable; we witnessed this culture in no small measure. Nde Waklek ushered us into a room where assorted meals had been perfectly arranged. We ate and drank to our satiety. Our chairman later introduced his family members to us in turns.
Nde Waklek was so elated seeing Yoruba people coming all the way from Ibadan to share in his joy. It was, indeed, a cultural intercession as we began to appreciate the way of life of our hosts. Just like in Yoruba land, the local drummers accosted us as we were leaving Baba’s house.
On Saturday, December 8, which was the second day of our visit, was the wedding day. Three different weddings were scheduled to take place simultaneously at the headquarters of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). We got to the church much early as our leader, UI VC, Prof. Olayinka hates lateness with passion. This timely arrival afforded us to appreciate the more, Nigerian cultural richness and diversity. Different people in their resplendent dresses filled the church to the brim.
At Langfield Parks and Gardens, Little Rayfied, Jos, the reception venue, guests were lavishly treated to an amazing entertainment and hospitality amid tight security. Many First Ladies including that of Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, among others, graced the occasion in support of their colleague, Mrs. Victoria Lalong.
Expressing his joy, Nde Waklek disclosed that he never expected the number of people from Ibadan saying, “I was expecting only one or two people, and all of you left Ibadan to grace this occasion because of me, I am so grateful”. The UI VC had earlier told him that the University greatly appreciated the fatherly disposition of the Council Chairman as he never interfered unduly in the running of the University.
Obviously, with the cultural intercession between Yoruba and Northerners in Jos, it is clear that Nigeria will be far better for it if the bond of unity across the country is strengthened.
Saanu (08059436919) is the Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.
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