By Joseph Mutah.
The Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is laying the foundation for a New Nigeria anchored on equality and social justice.
Maku made the remarks in Lokoja, Kogi State at a special Church Service to mark the 100 years of the amalgamation of northern and southern parts of Nigeria.
The Information Minister said that through sound policies and commitment to the nation, the President is developing all parts of the country simultaneously without any preferential treatment to any section in order to promote the sense of justice.
“We are beginning to lay the new foundations. In the last three years, he (the president) has founded thirteen universities, ten of them are located in Northern Nigeria and only three in the South. That is what we call justice. We believe a new generation must rise and give this nation leadership”, the Minister stated.
Mr. Maku further said that the Federal Government is constructing a seaport in Lokoja to convey vessels to the newly constructed Baro seaport following the dredging of the River Niger to enhance inland waterways transportation that would open up the northern part of the country for more commercial activities.
He also stated that train services which broke down before the advent of this administration have been revived with the movement of trains from Lagos to Kano while the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail-line would be completed this year to provide alternative and affordable means of transporting goods and services across the country.
The Minister preached forgiveness among the various ethnic and religious groups as a conscious effort to promote togetherness and solidify the bond of unity in the country.
He assured the congregation that Nigeria is being reinvented based on sound principles and virtues to bring about prosperity and development through the firm belief in God.
Mr. Maku flayed proponents of the division of Nigeria and said just like every nation faces adversity, Nigeria would surmount challenges and endure perpetually because it represents the voice of not only Africans but the entire black race.
“My prophetic utterances here today are that from today onward, Nigeria will begin to witness new peace; from today onward, those who doubt the unity of this country, they will be converted like Paul on the road to Damascus. From today onward, those who use religion to divide; who use religion to destroy rather than using religion to build, God will touch their heart”, he said.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, thanked the congregation for seeking a new path for Nigeria through God.
He expressed the optimism that God will always provide wisdom, guidance and knowledge for the country to overcome its challenges and emerge as a prosperous and more united nation.
In his sermon, the Founder of Throneroom Ministry, organisers of the special prayer session, Apostle Emmanuel Kure said they were in Lokoja, the birthplace of Nigeria to pray to God to strengthen the unity among the diverse groups in the country.
He admonished Nigerians to appreciate the virtues and values in living together as a united nation and urged politicians to be cautious with their utterances on peace and the unity of the country.
Apostle Kure prayed God for peace to reign and abort any plan to cause confusion and division in the country.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate