THE Yar’Adua Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) said Nigeria had experienced tensions and ethnic divisions since the struggle for independence.

It said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the situation had remained and engendered mutual suspicion and conflict in spite of efforts to manage it by stakeholders and successive administrations.

In the statement signed by its Director-General, Ms Jacqueline Farris, the foundation said that the issue be would be addressed by a Retreat to be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It said that the three-day retreat on “Promote National Cohesion and Build Platforms to Counter Divisive Behaviour’’ which would hold in Abeokuta, Ogun, would begin on Thursday.

It said “the retreat will serve as a platform for community youth groups and influencers to develop a comprehensive strategy to address sources of rising ethnic and religious tension in Nigeria.

“Since the struggle for independence, Nigeria has experienced tensions and divisions between and among various ethnic identities.

“Efforts to manage and resolve conflicts have been deployed, but latent acrimonies and mutual suspicions remain evident due to a combination of socio-economic and political factors, compounded by perceived and existent injustice.’’

It said that the retreat would feature two sessions, with one on “Challenges of a Multi-Ethnic Society: Identifying Historical Impediments to National Unity.’’

The foundation said that the second session would be on “Current Manifestations of Divisive Behaviour: Countering Contemporary Threats to a United and Prosperous Nigeria.’’

It added that the open plenary would feature performance poetry by Dike Chukwumerije on “No Culture Is Older than Being Human’’ and “Drawing Blood’’ by Atilola Moronfolu.

The foundation said that its mission was to promote national unity, good governance and social justice.

It explained that it was done by creating platforms to engage citizens, policy makers and stakeholders in national conversations that foster inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. (NAN)

– Jun. 19, 2018 @ 17:35 GMT |