To build a new Nigeria, we need a new tribe – Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says there is need to create a “ new tribe ” in Nigeria in order to have a country driven by national unity and cohesion .
Osinbajo expressed this view while declaring open a five -day photo exhibition tagged , ‘ ANISZA ’ on Monday in Abuja .

ANISZA is a collaborative project between the Federal Government and the private sector , a scheme that showcases the untold stories of Nigeria ’ s unity since independence in 1960 via pictures .

“ ANISZA ” was derived from the first two letters of three indigenous Nigerian languages – Anoko Onu – Igbo word for togetherness ; Isokan – Yoruba word for unity ; and Zaman Tare – Hausa words for one tribe .

Osinbajo had earlier toured the mobile gallery and inspected the photographs on display.

He said that two things struck him about the exhibition – the first being the deliberate attempt to engage younger Nigerians and the issue of promoting national unity .

Osinbajo added that the second thing that struck him was the idea of casting a vision by reflecting Nigeria ’ s history via a collection of photographs that told Nigeria ’ s national story as the victories of unity despite the diversities and dissention .

The vice president said that the pictures he saw included the photograph of the Shitta Bey Mosque , which was headlined by Christian leaders who were gladly invited by Muslim leaders to the mosque .

Osinbajo said he also saw the photograph of where Christians formed a protective shield of Muslims at prayer in Abuja in 2012 among others.

“It seems to me to be a good time for me to recall an earlier call I have made for a new tribe of Nigerians to build a new Nigeria .

“It is my respected view that to build a new Nigeria , we need a new tribe ; one tribe of men and women of all faiths , of all tribes , of all ethnicities committed to a country run on high values ; high values of integrity, of hard work , of justice and of love of country .

“ A tribe of men and women who are prepared to make the sacrifices and exercise the self -constraint that is crucial for building a healthy society and who are prepared to stick together to fight injustice ; to fight corruption ; to insist on the rule of law ; even when our friends are the receiving end .

“ A tribe consisting of professionals , of businessmen, of politicians , of students , of religious leaders and all who believe that a new Nigeria is possible , ’’ he said.

He said that the exhibition was a collaboration between the Federal Government represented by the media team in the presidency , the Federal Ministry of Information and the private sector .

On her part , Mrs Winifred Oyo – Ita , Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said that the event was a thing of joy as it came at a day Nigerians were witnessing the 58 th independence in peace .

She said that the project was noble gesture which had the support of the Federal Government .

The Project Visionary , Novo Isioro , said that the event was Nigeria ’ s first ever unity photography exhibition .

“On this ground today , we are gathered for one thing; one very important thing; there is a dream which is focused on re -orientating us to a nation that was united ; will stay united and will get better . ”

She said that if ethic differences were collapsed in the everyday interaction of Nigerians , the citizens would fare better .

According to her , the documentary is about telling the story of Nigeria ’ s strength in diversity .

The exhibition , which drew students from across the country , had some members of the Federation Executive Council in attendance . ( NAN )

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