By John Ikani
As Nigeria joins 55 other nations in commemorating the 2023 Commonwealth Day, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has emphasized that the prosperity, peace and security of Nigeria remain the collective responsibility and perseverance of all citizens.
Speaking in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the event, the Minister declared that the 2023 Commonwealth Day celebration in Nigeria is a wake-up call on the essence of unity, love, peace and prosperity as the foundation of development for the country and the body of Commonwealth nations in general.
According to the Minister, the existence of peace in any human aggregation or nation translates to progress, wealth and tranquility, and enhances positive outcomes in trade, investment, human rights, democratic governance, quality education, digitized learning, and most importantly, entrenches equity and equality, which is fundamental to the empowerment of youths, women and the girl-child, in Nigeria and most Commonwealth nations.
He stressed that the sustenance of peace and the determination to make life better for all through collaboration and harmonious co-existence remains the fundamental DNA of the Commonwealth group of nations.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubair Dada, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to realizing the ideals of the Commonwealth, adding that over the years, Nigeria had contributed to the success of the Commonwealth while looking forward to future programs of the Commonwealth nations.
Reading the first message of King Charles III on the occasion of 2023 Commonwealth Day, Mr. Nnanlue Tobechukwu identified that this week of Commonwealth celebration marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to the defining values of peace and justice, tolerance, respect and solidarity, care for the environment, and for the most vulnerable among member nations of the Commonwealth.
He added that the significance of this anniversary is to act and make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home.
The Commonwealth celebration in Nigeria was marked with the Commonwealth theme song, poetry recitations, dance drama, and cultural dance that translated the message of this year’s celebration in different forms.
The Commonwealth accommodates about 32 small states, including Island countries, and it has expanded its membership to non-British colonized countries, paving the way for Gabon and Togo to join the Commonwealth in 2022 as the newest member.
