President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday urged Nigerians to promote factors and issues that will unite them and foster national integration.
The president made the call at the late Gen. Hassan Usman-Katsina memorial lecture held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna.
Represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Danbazau, the president said national integration will enable Nigerians to realise the power of unity among various people living in a country.
He said the theme of the lecture: “Challenges of the National Integration and the Survival of Democracy in Nigeria” is not only apt but topical for this period of our nation’s challenges.
“Our history tells us that Nigeria is an amalgamation of many nationality relating from Lord Lugard which have since 1914 been on the journey towards nation building,” he said.
He said one of the key challenges of our nation that has been identified is the slow integration of the diverse ethnic nationality in the country, especially in terms of unity of purpose.
He stressed the need for increased participation in governance by all Nigerians in order to strengthen the nation’s democracy
The President described late Gen. Usman Katsina as a man of eminent virtues.
He said that the late Katsina was a generous leader, who had mentored many generations of officers and men in the country.
“He is a nationalist, who gave all his life for the unity and progress of our country. He lived a life full of positive impact in the country.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described late Usman Katsina as a model that should be emulated by all.
He said late Katsina had contributed to the development of the country by playing his role honourably as a good professional soldier and administrator.
“I testify to his loyalty to the country and leadership.
“As his boss, I can say without fear that he served his people, state or region and the country as a hero.
“ Katrina was a loyal and committed officer, who served his people and was called the Governor of Governors because he became a governor that educated six other governors.
He urged the family to emulate their great father.