Nigerians have been charged to eschew sentiment capable of causing division and disrupting the peace and unity.
This, would douse the tension often created by the quantum of religion, tribal and ethnic sentiments in the country.
Similarly, a former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) and All Progressive Congress chieftain, Osita Okechukwu, also called on Nigerians to practice true religion, which basically emphasizes an act of taking care of the less privileges in the society.
Both Okechukwu and the Director of Information and Communication, Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Hazat Sule, made the call during the 60th birthday and a book launch of Honourable Donatus Okonna, at Women Development Centre, FCT, Abuja.
The Director said that the call is necessary to change the negative narrative about religion, ethnic and tribal sentiments that are eating deep into the fabric of the society amongst some sections of the country.
According to him, some of these narratives and perceptions are affecting the peace and unity of various communities, which is not in the best interest of the nation.
The Director, who was represented at the occasion by his Special Assistant (SA), Ben Ukeji, congratulated the celebrant, Hon. Donatus Okonna, on his 60th birthday celebration.
Sule described the grand occasion as a testament of God’s favour on the celebrant, because it is not every body that is that lucky to attain the special age.
The Director said that with the caliber of guests at the event, it shows the stuff Hon. Okonna is made of.
Speaking about the book, titled: “The True Religion”, Sule commended the Author and said Hon. Okonna has done very well by writing a book about true religion in this generation; adding that it is very rare for people to talk about true religion, let alone writing about it.
The Director reiterated that if Nigerians can do away with tribal, religion and ethnic sentiments, which he described as a cancer to the peace of Nigerian nation, and begin to see everybody as one, the country will be a better place to live in.
Sule, urged governments at all level to as a matter of urgency implement programmes, policies and projects that will help unite the citizens as indivisible body and also pleaded with Nigerians to be our brothers keepers.
Also speaking at the occasion, a former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, called on Nigerians to practice true religion, which basically emphasizes an act of taking care of the less privileges in the society.
According to him, “Nobody chooses to be poor, God made it like that, and we cannot claim to be true believer if we neglect the poor in our society. It is our duty to take care of the vulnerable individuals, because God cannot come down from above and provide them with the necessary or basic things in life.”
Okechukwu said, the society will be a better place, if we practice true religion, hinting that some people steal in order for them to eat, if we take care of them, they will have no reason to steal.
Professor Okpe Jonah Arumona, who reviewed the book said that the content of the book ‘The True Religion’ contains vast knowledge about helping the needy, and used the opportunity to encourage people to grab a copy and not just to get a copy but to practice what is written in the book.
Arumona lamented that Nigeria is being regarded as a poor nation, simply because the rich people in the country have refused to practice what ‘true religion’ is all about; adding that both Bible and Quran encourage their faithfuls to take care of the less privileged in their midst.
The celebrant, Hon. Donatus Okonna, appreciated the guests at the occasion for sparing their previous time to be part of history.
He revealed that the habit of giving anything at his possession began ever since he was just at a tender age, which according to him, gives him joy and a lot of fulfilment in life.
Okonna call on the government and well meaning Nigerians to come and partner with ‘Basic Care Foundation’ to enable them reach out to more indigent people in the society.
