Why Nigeria Wont Break Up —Obasanjo

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said for Nigeria to have survived the first 100 years despite the various challenges of nation building, the country would not break up. He said Nigeria shall overcome.

“The award means Nigeria is making progress. If Nigeria survived the first 100 years, it means that Nigeria has come to stay,” the respected former President said.

On his part, former military leader, Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, observed that the nation had come a long way and urged the future generation to contribute more to nation building than what the award recipients achieved.

This, he explained, is the necessary ingredient to keep the nation as one.

“Nigeria has come a long way and we thank God. The future generation should try and do better than what we have done and keep this country together,” he said.

Former military leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said it is a good thing to be recognised by one’s country.

In his words, “The award means a lot to me to be qualified to be recognised by Nigerians. My wish for Nigeria is security.”

The former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, said the award would spur him into working harder for the nation. “The award means a lot to me,” Shonekan said.

They made the call in separate interviews with State House correspondents shortly after they were honoured with the nation’s centenary awards at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Other former leaders, who were honoured at the event, were former President Shehu Shagari and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

Shagari and Abubakar were honoured under the category of promoters of democratic transition in Nigeria while Gowon, Obasanjo, Buhari, Shonekan and Babangida were honoured under the category of outstanding promoters of unity, patriotism and national development.

In all, 100 persons, both living and dead, believed to have contributed meaningfully to national development, were honoured at the event.