Shettima: Nigeria’s Diversity Must Be Our Source of Strength

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength and not of division, just as he urged Nigerians to keep imbibing the lessons firmly fixed in the country’s cultural tapestry.
He further disclosed that traditional institution and its leaders are at the top of President Bola Tinubu’s list of priorities in his administration’s bid to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s diversity.

The vice president who spoke yesterday during the 37th Annual Akesan Festival in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, expressed delight with the way Nigeria’s noble traditions serve as poignant reminders of the origins and identities of its people.

Delivering his address titled, ‘Learning from the Past: Unity and Tradition in the Akesan Festival,’ at the event, Shettima said, “I am further delighted by the significance that the Akesan Festival has achieved, even though I expected nothing less. So, I must, once again, express my gratitude to my brother, our industrious Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, for inviting us to witness this festival and participate in shaping this historical narrative.

“Your Royal Highness, this festival serves as an opportunity to reinforce President Tinubu’s commitment to giving priority to our traditional leaders in navigating the intricacies of our diversity. The commitments articulated by our administration stand firm, and we pledge to honor these assurances, ensuring positive transformations in the lives of our people”.

Like previous festivities, the vice president noted that the 37th edition of the Akesan Festival is imbued with the essence of the unity Nigerians have forged as a nation, even as he described Ogun State as a template for the complexities of the nation’s cultural practices.
Applauding the state for investing a good dose of time and resources to establish Iperu Remo on the global map, the vice president urged Nigerians to take a cue from the spirit of unity, cooperation and determination in the community.

According to Shettima: “As we revel in the festivities, let us not forget the lessons ingrained in our cultural tapestry. This diversity within our nation is a source of strength, not division. It is a testament to our adaptability as a people. So, we must thank all those who’ve made this happen, from bottom to top.
“We must acknowledge the artisans, the craftsmen, the historians, the cultural custodians and the everyday people who have devoted their lives to preserving our heritage, passing down traditions from one generation to the next.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Akarigbo/Paramount ruler of Remo Kingdom, HRH. Obama Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, hailed President Tinubu, saying despite the current challenges in Nigeria, the visions and programmes of his administration would definitely wriggle the country out of the woods.
He urged the indigenes to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello who spoke for the Chairman of the occasion, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, called on the people of Ogun State to continue in their peaceful coexistence and cohabitation as existing amongst the people of the state.

Also speaking, Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said Akesan Day was an unending heritage that is fast boosting the tourism potential of the state.
He pledged further commitments to the festival, saying it was fast becoming a uniting event among Ogun people as well as people of its neighbouring states.