[Before this speech at the Conference, Prof. Dora Akunyili was asked to sit due to her health condition, but she refused to sit and delivered her speech standing.]
Nigerians have for long clamoured for an opportunity such as this to discuss our problems and come up with solutions that will strengthen the bond of our nationhood. I regard this national conference as President Jonathan’s best centenary gift to Nigerians, and a proof that he is a listening president.
Mr. President’s speech oozes humility, modesty, patriotism and a deep concern for the present and future of this beautiful country, Nigeria. Mr. President in that speech admitted that sovereignty belongs to the people. And those in authority are only holding power on trust for the people and of course that nobody has monopoly of knowledge. Hence, the decision for convening this conference. One thing that stands out from Mr. President’s speech is that there is no trace of negativism.
Scroll down for video… (Her speech begins at 13:20)
For instance, he made it clear that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable and our duty at this conference is to discuss ways to build a stronger and better Nigeria and I totally agree with him.
I am convinced that Nigeria should remain as one nation after 100 years despite her challenges because our common values overwhelm our differences.
Apart from our long history of togetherness, we’ve also enjoyed many decades of inter-marriages and mutual co-existence. We have to make sure that this conference delivers on the true spirit of Mr. President’s speech.
While we discuss the value of unity as written in his speech, we must realise that millions of Nigerians are being discriminated against in various parts of this country where they are born; where their forefathers lived; based on the so-called state of origin.
The founding fathers of Nigeria had a dream of building a united, prosperous, and developed nation state where social justice reigns. We also have to continue to dream because once we stopped dreaming then life is gone.
In conclusion, I am convinced that Nigeria will work and fulfil its destiny.
I therefore look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart the way for a better a new Nigeria. We all want to see a positive transform Nigeria and I therefore urge all of us to work individually and collectively so as to set the right agenda for the Nigeria of our dream.
Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates, I leave you with the words of these Greek proverb “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Watch Dora Akunyili’s speech below (fast forward to 13:20)
Posted: at 10-06-2014 11:40 PM (10 years ago) | Hero
dafemoclassi at 11-06-2014 03:32 AM (10 years ago) (m)
*** PROF. DORA AKUNYILI IS NOT ONLY AN ICON BUT AMONG POWERFUL NIGERIA HEROS IN THE LIKE'S OF....DELE GIWA, FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI, CHIEF GANI FAWEHINMI...ETC*** MAY HER GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE...AMEN !!!
Posted: at 11-06-2014 03:32 AM (10 years ago) | Newbie
Dora Akunyili died because she believe in one Nigeria, she said that old people need not to plant a tree which they can not sit under it's shield. How can old people gather to discourse what is for the youths, with out asking the youths if they want to continue in one Nigeria
Posted: at 11-06-2014 11:28 PM (10 years ago) | Upcoming
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