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National unity is certainly, absolutely, undoubtedly an attainable goal in Nigeria. The problem is with the seeming absence of the political determination to achieve it. We may claim that we want national unity; yet we worship at the temple of "federal character." We have 36 federal ministers that we don't need simply because we must represent all the states in Abuja. "State of origin" continues to be more important than nationality.
We are Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo or Annang first and Nigerian a distant second. Symbols of nationhood such as the military are sometimes perceived as oppressors and ignored at other times. The one positive symbol of national unity is the uniform of the NYSC, a scheme established to "make Nigeria one." It is also the very thing that signals out the non-indigene during times when crazy folks allow themselves to be exploited by unconscionable politicians.
We will attain the goal of "one Nigeria" but only if we support the rhetoric and slogans with action. I therefore correct the impression made by few people, on the cancellation of the Scheme. The point that I was making was that the primary goal of the NYSC to forge national unity has not been attained given that our country is probably now at its most ethnically divisive since the Civil War. In conclusion, NYSC needs a major overhaul but must be saved because of its utilitarian functions.
By Patience Akpan-Obong