National rebirth is possible in Nigeria-AGF Fagbemi, Eghagha, Adefuye

Eminent Nigerians gathered at the weekend to chart a course for a better Nigeria, while believing that Nations are built on great ideas and patriotism. This was part of the discussions at the 13th Afrikanwatch Network annual lecture, award and induction held at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, under the Chairmanship of Senator Anthony Adefuye, who said that the country has already undergone national rebirth in different forms. In his address, read by a former President, Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA), Prof. Andrew Obafemi of the University of Port Harcourt, hinted the need for a collect efforts to build a country of our dream. Nigeria is our country, and we must all come together to contribute to its progress irrespective of the numerous challenges”

Meanwhile in a keynoted address delivered by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed confidence that the quest for a national rebirth, and reclaiming the identity of a nation is apt, considering the giant stride the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making, to bequeath the nation of our dream to us. “It also suggests that we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project and we must give our all. The Minister therefore appeal to Nigerians to give this government a chance and advised., that those who are sabotaging governments effort should have a rethink before the long arm of the law catches up with them.
On his part, the guest speaker, Prof. Hope Eghagha, a professor of English and Literary studies, University of Lagos, who spoke on the theme of the lecture, titled, Nigerian politics of today, the quest for national rebirth, reclaiming the identity of Nation said, National rebirth is one of the channels for refocusing the energies of the nation into development, especially when a nation almost grinds to a halt as currently experience.

“So, the nation has always struggled with a rebirth of some sort, in different names, nomenclatures, and descriptions The professor however asked , what is the Nigerian identity?, nearly seventy years after independence the Nigerian identity is yet under interrogation. “Who is a Nigerian? What access does the Nigerian identity give a citizen to the good things of life? Are Nigerians regionally or nationally defined? How does the federal government encourage or discourage the promotion of a national identity? What are the shared values that make a Nigerian, Nigerian? More fundamentally, what impression does the name Nigeria evoke in the international community and what can we do to change the image? . It is apposite to restate the fact that Nigeria needs a rebirth, and that the men and women at the helm of the nations affairs do not seem ready to drive that rebirth initiative. A rebirth can only be possible if all stakeholders key into the process. Yet in our circumstances, it would require an outsider from mainstream politics to achieve that. When this will be, we are no prophets to tell.

Meanwhile, the Editor-in-Chief of the news outfit, Mark Orgu hinted that, it became imperative to organize such event, to chart a better course for Nigeria, for the interest of peace and progess. The occasion was attended by former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Fola Lasisi, Prof. Solomon Akinboye of the University of Lagos, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chairman, Editor Board of the Nation Newspaper, Major-General Victor Odeka rtd, represented by his son, Mr. Victor Odeka, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Vice Chancellor, University of Delta, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Hon. Desmond Elliot, Dr. Felicia Agubata, Hon Barr. Okey- Joe Onaukalusi, representing Oshodi/Isolo fed. Constituency, Dr. Yunusa Tanko among others.