Anyaoku: Nigeria Needs to Manage Its Diversity Well to Remain United

*Moghalu greets ex-Commonwealth Scribe at 91

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday said that Nigeria can only remain one if it manages its diversity well.
Anyaoku spoke during the commissioning of the Emeka and Bunmi Anyaoku Foundation Centre in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The commissioning of the centre also coincided with the 91st birthday celebration of the former Commonwealth scribe.

Addressing invitees, Anyaoku said: “At 80 years, you are considered to have entered the departure lounge. your relatives can only pray that your flight be delayed well enough, but I’m fortunate to have made 90 and today 91 years. At 91, I have been able to retain all my faculties. They say it is as sharp as sword, but I’m not so sure.

“The commissioning of this centre is the fulfilment of a dream which I and my wife have had for a long time. We have always wanted to support education, and by opening this library and museum.

“We hope that it will help both the old and young to acquire reading culture. The attributes of Nigerians that worry me is the absence of reading culture.
“My wife and I have also wished to have a museum, a place where visitors can come and learn about the memorabilia that we have collect from across the Commonwealth of nations of 54 countries located in the major continents of the world.”

According to him, one of the major issues that the centre will be promoting is the study and management of diversity in a pluralistic country like Nigeria.
He noted that some countries like Switzerland, Canada, India and other nations have succeeded because they have deliberately addressed the challenges of how to manage diversity in their countries.

“I hope that this centre will be a hub of collaboration with universities, schools, institutes to promote studies in various areas, and it has enough materials to help leaders address the challenges posed by our diversity,” Anyaoku said.
Speaking about the reason for locating the centre in Obosi, and how it was funded, Anyaoku said: “All my savings and gratuity of 34 years at the Commonwealth were ploughed into this foundation. We are hoping that in future, the foundation will have funds to sustain it and also ita activities .”

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who was also at the event praised Anyaoku for giving back to the society, saying that he remains a man who is worthy of emulation.
Earlier, a former Aviation Minister, Mr Osita Chidoka, presented a birthday gift to Anyaoku on behalf of Obosi title chiefs, stressing that Obosi people were proud of him.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including a former governor of Anambra State, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi.
Meanwhile, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Kingsley Moghalu, in a statement described Anyaoku as one of Africa’s most distinguished personages of the 20th and 21st centuries.

According to him, the nonagenarian has played key leadership and behind-the-scenes roles in resolving conflicts, promoting democracy, and advancing economic and social development in the 56 countries of the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

While also congratulating his wife, Bunmi, Moghalu said Anyaoku: “Represents the best of a tragically vanishing breed in our country – a gentleman of honour, a man of strong character and values, a man who’s impact in the world and at home was and remains an inspiration to millions including my humble self.”
“ I am fortunate to have benefited frequently, from his wise counsel and encouragement, in my own endeavours internationally and at home in Nigeria,” Moghalu added.