Clement Idoko – Abuja
As Nigeria joined other 55 countries to celebrate the 2023 Commonwealth Day, the Federal Government has called for peaceful and harmonious co-existence especially, among young people, adolescents and the youth as the nation strives for sustainable peace and national development.
This came as the Head of the Commonwealth and King of England, His Majesty Prince Charles III, charged the member nations to embrace the Commonwealth Charter, which encapsulated the values of peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; fair democratic governance among others.
Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, spoke at the 2023 Commonwealth Day celebration in Abuja, while the message of the King of England was read by Nnalue George Tobechukwu, a student of Federal Government College, Apo.
The 2023 commemoration is quite unique being the first after His Majesty, Prince Charles III ascended the throne as King of the United Kingdom following the demise of the venerated Queen Elizabeth II, his Mother.
The celebration was preceded by the hoisting of peace flags by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada at exactly 10 am. The flag has inscriptions that symbolically represent all the activities of commonwealth nations for the sustainability of peace, prosperity and climate actions.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu, said the theme of the 2023 Commonwealth Day, “Forging a Sustainable Peaceful and Common Future” was apt and of high global relevance in view of tensions in some parts of the world and a major war in Slavic region with its attendant consequences on the rest of the World.
Adamu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr David Andrew Adejo, noted that the existence of peace in any space of human aggregation or nation translates to progress, wealth and tranquility.
He added that peace would enhance positive outcomes in trade, investment, human rights, democratic governance, quality education, digitized learning and most importantly entrenches equity and equality, which in Nigeria and most Commonwealth means empowerment of youths, women and the girl-child.
He said: ‘As we celebrate this Day, it is important we remind ourselves that the prosperity, peace and security of our country is a collective responsibility and requires our mutual commitment and perseverance.
“Therefore, the commemoration of the year 2023 Commonwealth Day in Nigeria is a re-awakening call that the promotion of unity, love, peace and prosperity is the foundation of development for our country in particular and the body of commonwealth nations in general.
“We should always remember that the sustenance of peace and the determination to make life better for one and all through collaboration and harmonious co- existence remains the fundamental DNA of the Commonwealth group of Nations,” he said.
The King of England, Prince Charles III, in his message read at the event, said the myriad connections between the member nations have sustained and enriched all the counties for more than seven decades, adding that commitment to peace, progress and opportunity would sustain Commonwealth nations for many more.
“Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother. The late Queen – a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.
“In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.
“This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values – peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and the most vulnerable among us.
“These are not simply ideals. In cach lies an imperative to act, and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home,” he said.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Commonwealth theme song, poetry recitations, dance drama and cultural dance that translates the message of this year’s celebration in different forms as well as colourful parade of Commonwealth Heads of Government by students from select Secondary Schools within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
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