The Nigerian government has called on the youths to raise a “Flag of Peace” as a demonstration of their commitment to inculcate values that would engender national unity and a sustainable peaceful future for all.
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu made the call in Abuja while addressing Journalists on the occasion of the 2023 Commonwealth Day.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Andrew Adejo stated that Nigeria would continue to maximize the dividends of being part of the supportive community of fifty six member nations of the common wealth across Africa, Asia, America, the Caribbean Europe and the Pacific.
He explained that the call was timely following the progressive engagement of young people in dialogue as means of resolutions and their total shun of violence as a means of redress.
According to the Minister, the Federal Ministry of Education has requested State Ministries of Education nationwide to equally put in place programmes in all their educational institutions to commemorate the Day.
He says,“Member States promote commonwealth shared values every year during the commemoration and in view of the conflict situation in some of the Commonwealth countries and globally, this association of nations with diverse culture, varied gross national Income per capita, different levels of industrialization and technological infrastructure always tolerate, respect and mutually work together for the promotion of peace, democracy and prosperity.”
Reeling out events on the line up for the celebration of the Year 2023 Commonwealth Day in Nigeria, the Minister said ,” to make sure that this commemoration is not only a Federal Government affair, at the Federal level and as part of activities leading up to the Commonwealth Day, some private and public Schools including Federal Unity Colleges within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs participated in the commemoration quiz competition which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, second (24) Floor podium, Federal Ministry of Education, Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, 16th February, 2023”
Common-Wealth Day Events
“A Commonwealth Youth Lecture and Dress rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, 10th March, 2023 at the Federal Ministry of Education and the D-Day is on 13 March, 2023 at National Universities Commission, (NUC), Idris Abdulkadir Conference Hall.
“The Dress rehearsal will enable the identification of schools that will entertain attendees with Commonwealth theme song, poetry recitation, drama, and cultural dance for further explication of commonwealth the theme, values and ideals.
“Each of the selected School nominated two students to participate in the written test on English language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Current Affairs and Commonwealth Questions. The highest ten (10) scorers regardless of the school competed in the oral quiz and the best Three (3) winners would be rewarded handsomely. The 3-9 runners- up will also receive consolation prizes on the commemoration Day. It is important to note that the test scripts were marked and the scores released immediately for credibility, transparency and accountability,” the Minister explained.
He said the Youth lecture topics are on Environmental Sustainability, Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as Education & Skill Development .
“The topics and topics will include (a) Collaborating to address carbon emission; (b) promoting renewable energy (c) protecting biodiversity and mitigating the impact of climate change; (d) the role of diplomacy, mediation and international Laws in resolving conflict and (e) Investing in education and developing skills to equip young people with the tools they need to build a sustainable and peaceful future”.
The 2023 Commonwealth Day in Nigeria is scheduled for Monday, 13th March, 2023 with the theme, “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future”.
Confidence Okwuchi
