The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District and the 2027 APC candidate for the district, Senator Ikeje Asogwa, has called for unity in diversity, stressing the need for Nigerians to learn from the country’s history and build a more united nation.
Speaking at the launch of the book titled History and Lessons from the Nigerian Civil War (Chronologically Arranged), authored by Dr. Uche Anioke, Obioma N. Ikechi and Chief James Egwuonwu, Senator Asogwa, who was represented by his Director of Media and Publicity, Hon. Samson Ezea, said leaders have a responsibility to ensure that younger generations understand Nigeria’s past, not to reopen old wounds, but to learn valuable lessons from them.
He said:“As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the younger generation understands Nigeria’s past, not to reopen old wounds, but to learn from them.
“Every nation has difficult chapters in its history. Mature nations do not run away from such chapters. They confront them honestly, study them carefully and draw lessons from them.
“One of the greatest lessons of the Civil War is the importance of national unity.
“Nigeria is a nation of remarkable diversity. We have different ethnic groups, languages, religions, cultures and political interests. That diversity should be a source of strength, not a reason for division.
“We may disagree politically. We may come from different parts of the country, support different candidates or belong to different political parties. But beyond these differences, we are Nigerians first.
“Our political disagreements must never become excuses for violence, hatred or the destruction of our common heritage.”
Senator Asogwa commended the authors for their insight, resilience and intellectual prowess in documenting the Nigerian Civil War, particularly their ability to draw from their personal experiences as people who witnessed the war.
He noted that documenting history is essential to ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of conflict and appreciate the importance of peace, unity and national reconciliation.