GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE 11TH FORUM OF LAUREATES OF THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL ORDER OF MERIT (NNOM) AND AWARD WINNERS LECTURE HELD AT MERIT HOUSE, ABUJA, ON DECEMBER 4, 2018.
PROTOCOL.
1. I am delighted to be at the 11th Forum of Laureates of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). My sincere thanks to the Chairman of the governing body of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), Professor Shekarau Yakubu Aku, for the kind invitation extended to be at this occasion.
2. Since the establishment of the NNMA under Act No. 53 of 1979 (as amended), its primary objective has been to recognise, promote and reward outstanding Nigerians at home and abroad. These are individuals that have as distinguished themselves in their chosen fields, and who have contributed greatly to national development. It is instructive that only 75 persons have passed the litmus test to be conferred with the prestigious NNOM so far; this is an indication of the high standard and calibre of those selected as meriting this prestigious honour.
3. I congratulate today’s laureates for their remarkable achievements. High commendation is also due to all the nominees of this year’s award; for this, in itself, demonstrates the impact you all have made in your various fields of endeavour.
4. In line with the mandate of the NNMA to recognise intellectual and academic excellence each year, we have gathered to deliberate with some of our brightest minds on issues of national importance. Consequently, the theme of this year’s Award Lecture, ‘The Imperative of Unity in Diversity,’ is extremely well-judged, considering we are a population of nearly 200 million people, with over 250 ethnic groups. As you all know, some of the challenges facing Nigeria at this time are a clear indication that more discussions and actionable initiatives are required to improve relations for peaceful co-existence and economic development in this country.
5. Truth be told, diversity remains crucial to unlocking the development, stability and undeniable potential of Nigeria; and to manage this diversity, we must embrace the spirit of greater understanding and tolerance. This is even more imperative, considering societal agitations in some quarters which pose a threat to our unity and existence. Many of these threats are no doubt borne out of a seeming inability to appreciate the beauty in our diversity – be it in terms of language, religion or culture.
6. This is why at the National Assembly, we continue to work assiduously to design laws geared towards impacting policy that will foster unity in diversity. For instance, the National Orientation Agency Amendment Bill aims to educate and promote inter-ethnic integration, peace-building, patriotism and mutual understanding amongst citizens. In addition, the enhanced capacity of the agency should lead to concrete actions towards culture transformation and national harmony.
7. As it happens, I touched on the importance of fiscal federalism and diversity just days ago, in an address about local government autonomy. First theorised by economist Richard Musgrave in 1959, the term Fiscal Federalism underpins our commitment to the Local Government Autonomy Bill, which is waiting to be passed by over 20 states of the Federation. The intent is to ensure checks and balances in all tiers of government, as this is essential in improving the trust and confidence of citizens in our institutions.
8. Ladies and gentlemen, if we are to ‘strengthen our public institutions for national integration’ as is one of the sub-themes of this 11th Forum, unity in diversitycannot be discountenanced. Beyond the all-important religious and ethnic tolerance, we must go further, to adopt an all-encompassing approach that reflects positively on our institutions, businesses and the workforce in general. Moreover, as with the representation evident in National Assembly composition, so too should all national institutions reflect our rich and diverse culture. This would mean better representation for females and other marginalised groups, such as the disabled and the youth. For it is only when we have attained that degree of diversity enlightenment that we can truly liberate ourselves from mediocrity.
9. Distinguished guests, awardees and scholars here present, permit me to conclude with a challenge. I call on you all to deploy your experiences and spirit of excellence towards advancing the cause of our society. Each and every person here today should go forth as a flag-bearer ofthis important theme, Unity in Diversity. For there is indeed strength in unity, and unity will always lead to progress.
10. Once again, my hearty congratulations to this year’s recipients of the illustrious Nigerian National Order of Merit. Long may you stand as beacons of light to inspire fellow Nigerians to aspire to the best of our ideals.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
