Calls For Peaceful Coexistence Among Nigerians And True Federalism
The leadership of Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has conferred an award of excellence on the Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh as “Garkuwa Matasan Arewa,” (Shield of the North).
Receiving the award in Warri, Delta State, Bashorun said, “Nigeria must harness its diversity for development and that the unity and peaceful coexistence among tribes in the country is non-negotiable.
According to him, “The crises being reported in the North is becoming to worrisome and I urged the youths to formulate programmes that would enhance cohesion among all ethnic groups and to foster democratic ideals.
“We must focus on factors that bind the Southern and Northern Nigeria together and while play down those that fan the embers of disunity and focus on peaceful coexistence among the region
While calling for true federalism, Bashorun Askia Ogieh said too much powers are concentrated at the centre and that there is an urgent need for restructuring of the polity.
Askia expressed his gratitude to God and the Emir of Zaria, saying; that he started his Rotary Club experience in Zaria, with encouragement from the Emir.
He said that their objective in the club at the time was basically to render humanitarian services.
On his part, the National President of the Council, Comr. Dr. Isah Abubakar said, “The award was conferred on Bashorun Ogieh because of his humanitarian services over the years, disclosing that he had been a major donor to the council, who has helped greatly in touching the lives of the women and youths, across the country, thereby lifting them from abject poverty.
“The leadership of the council believes that Bashorun Askia Ogieh falls in the same historical line with Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was always on our minds, whilst his nomination for this prestigious award was being made,” he said.
The Youth Council President, further stated that the honour was based on the leadership style that Bashorun Ogieh has displayed in the discharge of his duties over the years, adding that he has also helped in building lives, through various empowerment programmes.
