Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo urges all Nigerians to actively participate in reimagining the nation, calling for a shift beyond political and intellectual elites to foster genuine unity and development

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s Future hinges on the collective efforts of every citizen, not just politicians or intellectuals, according to Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

Also read: Governor Soludo calls for end to ethnic bigotry, urges citizenship-based unity

Speaking at a recent discourse on The Platform during Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration in Lagos, Governor Soludo affirmed that creating a sustainable Nigerian nation demands “purpose-driven organisations with a clear intent to defeat underdevelopment and foster national unity,” a quality he believes has largely been absent in post-independence leadership.

According to Christian Aburime, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Governor Soludo’s timely thesis emphasizes that this call for nation-building must become “the urgent everyday conversation by all Nigerians.”

This ambitious vision, as Governor Soludo describes, necessitates “new Nigerians” – citizens who are able to transcend ethnic and religious divisions to embrace a shared Nigerian identity.

The governor clarified that this does not imply ignoring differences, echoing Alhaji Ahmadu Bello’s wise warning, but rather focuses on building bridges across them.

It is about establishing institutions that serve everyone, cultivating an economy that offers opportunities for all, and promoting a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Let this be the starter of food for thought in our hunger for a new Nigeria.

As Nigeria navigates a critical juncture in its democratic progression, Governor Soludo’s provocative question resonates with increasing urgency: “Have we had a nation?”

While the answer may be uncomfortable, he posits that it is also liberating. If Nigeria has never truly had a cohesive nation, then the current task is not one of rebuilding, but of creation, which he sees as holding infinite possibilities.

He acknowledged that the national conversation has begun and will continue.

However, the governor challenged Nigerians: “Are we ready to move beyond Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s 1947 declaration that ‘Nigeria is not a nation but a mere geographical expression,’ towards the sustainable nation our anthem envisions, that ‘though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,’?”