By Sumaila Ogbaje
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged Nigerian leaders to reject hate, hate speeches and promote diversity to address the nation’s challenges.
Buratai, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, made the call at the graduation of the participants of Leadership and National Cohesion (LNC) Course 2/2024, in Abuja.
The course is organised by Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government of Japan.
“As leaders, you must foster a culture of tolerance, empathy and understanding where every individual feels valued, respected and included.
“Leadership and national cohesion are more relevant today than ever due to the fact that the world is increasingly becoming more complex and the challenges we face require collective action, collaboration and a deep sense of shared purpose.
“You are ambassadors of hope, beacons of positive change and champions of national cohesion.
“You must reject hate speech and celebrate diversity, recognising that unique backgrounds, cultures and perspectives are the very fabrics that strengthen a society.”
The Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said that a nation without leadership and national cohesion would ultimately be vulnerable to disintegration, instability and stagnation.
“It is against this backdrop that the MLAILPKC, in collaboration with the UNDP and the Government of Japan, carefully crafted the Leadership and National Cohesion Course.
“It is to recruit new participants with the competencies required to navigate through the intricacies of leading in a diverse, multi-ethnic and multicultural society.”
The commandant urged the participants to remain committed to the values of leadership, integrity and selfless service which they had learned and strive to make meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The Director of Training, MLAILPKC, Lt.-Col. Suleman Yakubu, said the course had 27 participants drawn from various services and civil organisations including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police, paramilitary, MDAs and non-governmental organisations. (NAN)