By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to promote unity, mutual understanding and shared values, stressing that the forces that bind the country together are greater than those that divide it.
Idris made the call on Friday, August 14, 2026, while attending the wake-keep of the late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar in Obudu, Cross River State.
The event was attended by family members, friends and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; former Governor of the state, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; and the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.
The late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar, who died at the age of 76, was an elder brother of Senator Ayade and Dr. Frank Ayade.
The minister said the gathering demonstrated the richness of Nigeria’s diversity and the capacity of citizens from different backgrounds to unite in solidarity.
“What I have seen today is the diversity of Nigeria and how it can be further harnessed to promote unity in this country. Nigerians from all walks of life are Nigerians first. Therefore, we must celebrate them wherever they are,” Idris said.
While commiserating with the bereaved family, the minister said the occasion was also an opportunity to celebrate the life and contributions of the deceased, whom he described as someone who helped bring people together.
“It is a moment of sorrow that he has passed on, but also a moment of gratitude that he lived a worthy life, one that helped bring people together,” he said.
Idris urged Nigerians to continue to leverage the country’s diverse cultures and traditions as assets for national development, noting that unity and shared values remained essential to economic growth and national progress.
“We must strengthen our unity, uphold our shared values, and also see our diversity as a resource that can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and their collective ability to rise above differences and work towards the common good.
