The Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, met with eminent Yoruba leaders and Ohaneze Ndigbo in London on Friday, July 16, 2021, to dialogue on current security issues in Nigeria.
The minutes of the meetings, which took place at the Nigerian High Commission office, was e-mailed to the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos on Saturday, July, 17, 2021.
According to the minutes, the dialogue centred on the efforts of the Federal Government to tackle internal security in Africa’s most populous country, which has been plagued by insecurity in recent years.
The Yoruba and Igbo leaders at the meeting reiterated their belief in the unity of Nigeria and the need to preserve it as a corporate entity.
The Igbo leaders called for the enthronement of equity, justice and fairness in the country, where the Igbo would be accorded their rightful position in the Nigeria project.
On their part, the Yoruba leaders also spoke on the need for Nigeria’s unity, adding that the Yoruba people would continue to remain in Nigeria.
They, however, demanded that power should evolve to the various components of the federation through restructuring and federalism.
The leaders reiterated the need for true federalism as canvassed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a position the sage held until his death.
The Yoruba leaders were led to the meeting by Chief Adebayo Oladimeji, a Chartered Biologist and Chairman of Nigerian Elders in the UK.
The Ohaneze team was led by the President of the group in the UK, Dr. Nnanna Igwe, a medical practitioner.
Both parties also stressed the need for dialogue and continuous engagement on matters of concern to all Nigerians, particularly those in the UK.
(NAN)