The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that Nigeria will continue to exist as a united, indivisible nation and will overcome its current difficulties.
She delivered this message on Sunday during a thanksgiving service marking the investiture and presentation of Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha as Archbishop on Special Duties.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the event took place at the Methodist Unity Cathedral in Abuja, where the First Lady was represented by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
Mrs Tinubu, noting that the country’s hope rests in God, urged citizens to keep praying for Nigeria, the Church, and for divine direction.
She stressed that although Nigeria appreciates support from other nations, it will never be cowed or reduced to a nation without dignity.
“Nigeria will not disintegrate. Nigeria will remain one indivisible entity. God will be with Nigeria.”
“We shall celebrate the coming Christmas in peace and in joy, and it shall be well with Nigeria.
“I wish the Archbishop well in his new role,” she said.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said Nigeria requires international collaboration to address its security problems.
He expressed approval for working with foreign partners to combat insecurity.
He explained that the government can engage with global allies to deal with security threats without undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“The President is a democrat and is open to partnerships that will benefit the country,” he said.
Kalu also stressed the need for involving stakeholders in finding solutions to the nation’s problems.
He pointed out that the Church plays a crucial role in fostering peace, unity, and development.
The lawmaker further highlighted the value of cooperation between government institutions and faith-based organisations in nation-building.
“We cannot build a nation without having stakeholders on the table.
“The Church must bring messages of hope, peace, and unity to inspire progress and nation-building ”, he said.
Kalu commended Archbishop Onuoha for his dedication to peace efforts and for serving as a bridge between government and religious communities.
“The man who was decorated as Archbishop today has shown that being in the church does not mean turning your back on the states. He has been the man anchoring such a conversation.”
Speaking to journalists, Archbishop Onuoha stressed that Nigeria needs support from every possible source to resolve its challenges, especially insecurity.
He said the nation’s situation is severe and demands joint action to confront the issues.
Onuoha added that Nigerians should not pretend about the severity of the country’s problems, particularly its insecurity concerns.
“We need help. If somebody thinks we don’t need help, that person is in denial.
“Seeking help in security matters is no different from seeking financial assistance or other forms of support,” he said.
The Archbishop urged an end to blame-shifting and the demonisation of others, pointing out that the death of any citizen is a tragedy that goes beyond religious or ethnic lines.
Onuoha vowed to cooperate with the Church and other stakeholders to foster peace and unity in Nigeria.
