Finding Common Purposes For Nigerians - A Call To National Rebirth Vision For A United Nigeria As Opined By APGA National Chairman

 

By Nduka Anyanwu 

ABUJA: Nigeria stands today at a critical crossroads in its national journey. Despite being richly endowed with human and natural resources, the country continues to grapple with deep-seated challenges that threaten national cohesion and sustainable development.

 Ethnic divisions, religious tensions, economic inequalities, insecurity, political distrust, and regional rivalries have often overshadowed the collective aspirations of over 220 million citizens.

Against this backdrop, the recent call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, for Nigerians to find common purposes that unite rather than divide them is both timely and profound.

 It is a message that resonates with the urgent need to redefine nationhood and rebuild confidence in the Nigerian project.

The Crisis of Fragmented Interests

One of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria's progress has been the tendency to prioritize sectional, ethnic, religious, and political interests above national interests. 

Over the years, public discourse has increasingly become polarized along these fault lines, creating an environment where citizens often identify more strongly with their ethnic or religious affiliations than with their shared Nigerian identity.

This fragmentation has weakened national institutions, undermined trust in governance, and slowed collective progress. Instead of harnessing the country's diversity as a source of strength, differences have frequently been manipulated for political advantage, leaving many citizens disillusioned and disconnected from the broader national vision.

Barrister Ezeokenwa's appeal reminds Nigerians that no nation can attain greatness when its citizens are constantly pulling in different directions. 

Sustainable progress requires a common understanding of what binds the people together and what future they seek to build collectively.

The Meaning of Common Purpose

A common purpose does not require uniformity of thought, culture, or political opinion. Rather, it involves identifying shared aspirations that transcend differences and unite citizens around a common destiny.

For Nigeria, these common purposes include:

National security and peace.

Economic prosperity and job creation.

Quality education for all.

Access to healthcare.

Good governance and accountability.

Social justice and equal opportunities.

Infrastructure development.

Youth empowerment.

National unity and stability.

Regardless of tribe, religion, language, or region, every Nigerian desires a safe environment, economic opportunity, quality education for their children, and a government that works for the people. 

These shared aspirations provide a strong foundation upon which national consensus can be built.

In our next publications, we shall digest Diversity as a strategic advantage and the path forward.