2014 National Confab broadest in Nigeria’s history says Vice President

Abuja (Office of the Vice President Report) – Nigeria’s Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has described the just concluded National Conference as the broadest in Nigeria’s history where all matters within the socio-political and economic spheres of the nation were extensively discussed freely without outside interference.

He stated this during the closing dinner organised at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja by the Chairman of the conference for delegates on Wednesday August 20, 2014 as part of the activities marking the end of the 2014 National Conference.

Namadi Sambo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, added that the quality of representation at the conference was most outstanding and congratulated the delegates for a job well done. He also expressed confidence that the different recommendations made and documented at the conference would be adequately utilized to achieve Nigeria’s progress.  Sambo also noted the bond of contact and relationship that were established by the delegates at the conference and urged them to continue to maintain same in order to build the nation for generations to come.

“I note with joy the love, friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood that has developed among you delegates of the conference and all I can do is to thank God for the gift of understanding that has now formed among you for the good of our country. You stood for Nigeria and Nigeria stands for you,” he averred. 

The Vice President expressed thanks to the Chairman, the management team and the delegates, saying they worked round-the-clock to ensure the success of the conference. He also observed that their accomplishment was no mean feat. “You defied all odds placed on your way by those who did not want us to discuss our problems. You stood firm and delivered for our country, a living document, which will feed into the ever-undying spirit of the Nigerian nation that the President has often spoken about,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the National Conference, Idris Kutigi (Justice) congratulated the delegates for their various contributions to the success of the conference, describing their  roles as nationalistic and would remain forever in the annals of Nigeria’s history. He informed that the delegates to the conference were outstanding both in deliberation and the contribution of ideas, indicating that this enabled the conference to accomplish its mission. 

According to him, their comportment, mature reasoning and articulate presentation of persuasive opinions towards resolutions of critical and even controversial issues will always be remembered. He further expressed satisfaction with serving as Chairman of the conference, which he described as a national pride. He  said that his interaction with the delegates has rekindled his hope of a better Nigeria for the present and future generations.  

“As we collectively look forward to a new Nigeria of our dreams, it is my wish and hope that you would not relent in your efforts at dispensing your good works of patriotism to our dear nation, Nigeria whenever you are called upon to do so,” he iterated. 

In another development, a minute silence was observed in honour of four of the delegates –  Nur lkali and Dora Akunyili (Professors), Hamman Misau (Dr) as well as Mohammed Jumare who died while the National Conference was in progress. Also,  the principal officers of the Conference were decorated by  the Vice President.