NEW-YORKVice: President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to remain united, stressing that what binds the country together is greater than the issues that divide its people.
Shettima made the call while addressing members of the Nigerian diaspora community at the Nigerian House in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President spoke during an interactive session with Nigerians living in the United States, where he responded to questions on national unity, ethnic relations and the place of the Igbo people in Nigeria.
Responding to a question specifically concerning the Igbo and the unity of Nigeria, Shettima pointed to people within his immediate working environment, including members of his staff who are Igbo.
He used their presence and relationship with him as an example of how Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds can work together despite their differences.
According to the Vice President, Nigerians should look beyond ethnic identities and focus on the common values, interests and aspirations that connect citizens across the country.
Shettima’s remarks highlighted his appeal for greater understanding and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, particularly at a time when questions about national unity and inclusion continue to feature prominently in public discussions.
The Vice President maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should not necessarily be viewed as a barrier to national cohesion. Rather, he used his interaction with Nigerians from different backgrounds to illustrate the possibility of cooperation across ethnic lines.
His message to the diaspora community was centred on the importance of putting shared national interests above divisions, while recognising the contributions of the country’s various ethnic groups to national development.
The New York engagement formed part of activities surrounding the 81st UN General Assembly, bringing together Nigerian officials and members of the Nigerian community abroad.
Shettima’s comments on the Igbo and national unity therefore reinforced his broader appeal for Nigerians to recognise their common identity and work together despite ethnic, regional and other differences.
The Vice President urged Nigerians to focus more on what unites them, arguing that the shared bonds among citizens remain more significant than the differences that may separate them.
