President Bola Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to unite against the common threats that undermine the Nation’s collective well-being.
This was even as he posited that Nigeria has endured too much.
He made the call on Friday, while performing the groundbreaking for the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts at Tudun Biri in Kaduna.
The president who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima noted that, for so long, Nigerians have been held hostage by the fear of themselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes.
According to him, the resettlement scheme which is targeted at the communities affected by conflicts in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi, a testament to the courage of the survivors and signals an end to their pessimism.
He also said the resettlement Scheme is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a symbol, but a collective will of Nigerians to heal as a nation that has endured too much, adding that, “it is an opportunity for each of us to come together and rebuild. It is a call to action. It is an appeal to come together in solidarity against the common threats that undermine our collective well-being.
“Today marks a fulfillment of a solemn promise. We are here to assure that the safety of each Nigerian shall be a priority, and we cannot claim to have achieved this until we restore dignity and security to those whose lives have been upended by conflict.
“Our journey to this point has been long and arduous. Today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity and build a future where each person and community sees the other as a friend, and where peace and opportunity are the birth-right of every citizen. For so long, we have been held hostage by the fear of ourselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. Today, we gather to say, “Enough is enough.”
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“The Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted By Conflict (RSPIC) is a timely intervention not only to construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for victims of conflict but also to offer them a dignified environment to live and to dream. This is the promise of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a promise to make each Nigerian have a place of belonging and to learn to believe in Nigeria once again.
“The conflict we are forced to endure has not only torn communities apart in the past but also political leaders who ought to be unifying models for the people. This history should inspire us to be different, and my optimism thrives on the assurance by our state governors to treat our humanitarian crises as points of unity instead of divisions.
“In just about a year in office, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani has been an inspiration for unity in this beautiful state. I must emphasize that his approach is not only a template for other state governors but also for the nation at large. The non-kinetic interventions we have explored since taking office are best demonstrated by our state governors, and Kaduna is a light of hope in this aspect.
“This government has invested in building peace and stability in each part of this great country because an eruption of conflict in one part of the country disrupts the rest. Conflict and displacement, to us, are not merely regional issues; they are national concerns that demand a unified response. They threaten the very fabric of our society, and it is only through justice, distributions of democratic dividends, and collaboration that we can overcome these challenges.
“Our work does not end here. This ground-breaking event is but the first step in a long journey towards restoration and empowerment. We must continue to provide support and opportunities for those affected, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and economic resources. We must create an environment where every individual can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“To those who have been displaced by conflict, I say this: We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Your strength and resilience inspire us all, and under President Tinubu’s leadership, we commit to bolstering our nation’s security infrastructure and advancing peace. This resettlement scheme is a testament to your courage and signals an end to your pessimism,” the President said.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE