BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
A word of of advice has gone to the Nigerian children to shun any form of tribalism rather they should embrace peace, harmony, unity and friendliness among themselves if Nigeria wants to have a brighter and future leaders.
This was disclosed by the education stakeholders, parents and guardians at just concluded Nigeria Future Leaders Festival held recently in Lagos.
The Theme of this year’s edition is SAY NO TO TRIBALISM.Over 2,000 children from various schools in Lagos attended the event as many of them participated in lined up activities.
The Convener of the Nigeria Future Leaders Festival, Folashade Falokun who spoke to our correspondent said the event was organised to commemorate the children Day celebration and also pointed out that the theme of this year’s edition was carefully selected based on the rate of tribalism occuring on daily basis among Nigerians which might threaten the national unity and progress of the country.
“OurTheme for this year’s edition is SAY NO TO TRIBALISM.We selected this topic because we don’t want our children to involve in tribalism be divided among themselves or any form of corrupt practices.We want to see them as one Nigeria and they should promote unity, friendliness among themselves.
“Our children should not have a mindset that i am a yoruba,Hausa or Ibo or any other tribe.We want them to realise that they are one and they should embrace friendliness, unity and tolerate one another so that we can have peace and progress in this country,” she said.
Some parents and guardians also kicked against Tribalism and urged the government,school owners, school administrators, teachers and other stakeholders to preach against triablism in their various schools.
They also said Nigerians should see themselves as one and not allow their political or religious affiliation to destabalise the peace of the country.
In her own comment, cordinator of Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Jumoke Maltida Otitoloju also commended the convener of the event and furthered explained that children with disabilities should be given a chance too to express themselves and show love to them especially during a programme like this.
“This event is a good intiative and i must commend the people who are behind this laudable project.Of course we don’t want tribalism in our schools.It is eveil and our children should see themselves as one.We should not also forget children with disabilities and they need to be included in a programme like this so that they can showcase their God given talents, “she said.
