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Parents, teachers stress the role of culture in promoting national identity and unity

Published

6 months ago

November 22, 2025

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Joe Ajayi
Parents and teachers in Abuja have identified culture as not just a tool for national identity but a driving force for national unity and stability.

The Chairperson, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), New Capital School, Dr, Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, said this at the schools cultural day celebration in Abuja on Friday.

Godwin-Isaac, represented by the Vice Chairman , Mr Amenah Ogheneruemu, described culture as a unifying factor that has continued to build bridges across different ethnic groups in the country.
“From the Hausa-Fulani to the Igbo, the Yoruba, the Edo, the Tiv, the Ijaw, the Kanuri, and many more, every culture in Nigeria adds something beautiful to our national identity.

“Like threads in one fabric, we are woven together by purpose. Our colors may differ, but together they form a masterpiece,” she said.

According to her, I am a living example of that unity. I come from Edo State and I am married to a wonderful man from Zuru in Kebbi State.

She explained that her children are the perfect blend of both cultures and a daily reminder of the power of love and respect with culture as a bridge.
Godwin-Isaac called on parents and teachers to remain firm in the face of economic challenges, saying that with unity and hope, victory is assured.

“As we celebrate today, we must also reflect. These are challenging times for many families.

“The economy is tough and life can be uncertain, but we must never lose hope. Nigerians are strongest when we stand together. Unity gives us the courage to overcome hardship.”

She also urged parents to always teach kindness and love to the children, which according to her is greater than tribe.

“To our dear parents, let us teach our children that kindness is greater than tribe and that love is the true language of unity.

“To our wonderful teachers, thank you for shaping these young minds with patience and dedication.
“And to our students, you are the heartbeat of Nigeria. Be proud of where you come from, but open your hearts to others.”

Godwin-Isaac admonished all to use the cultural day to reaffirm their commitment to national unity.

“As we dance, sing, and celebrate today, let us make a promise: to carry this spirit of togetherness beyond this event and into our daily lives.

“The Nigeria we dream of begins right here, in schools like New Capital, where every tribe, tongue, and tradition learns to live as one family.
“May our diversity continue to be our strength, and may our unity forever be our pride.”

Also Speaking, the Head teacher of the school, Ms Nneka Eze, emphasized the imperatives of using culture to inculcate discipline in the children.
Eze affirmed the capability of culture in not just driving unity but respect for elders and others.
“Just as those children are learning or rather showcasing their cultural heritage.

“Discipline, respect is part of culture, when you go out there, in the Western world, discipline is lost.
“But in Nigerian culture, once, we can hold our culture high, discipline becomes the order of the day.

Eze said that culture has the capacity to transform children or anyone into good ambassors of discipline and respect.

“We are bringing back culture into New Capital School Asokoro to make sure that we can hold our culture, be able to be disciplined children.
“When they leave Nigeria, people will say, where are they coming from, Nigeria? So Nigeria is this disciplined , respectful.”

Also Speaking, a pupil of the school, Jadidah Ishaku-Yusuf said that the togetherness of different cultures has brought immense joy to her.
“Today is cultural day and I feel happy to dance and be part of the dance.”

Another student of the school, Ndubuisi Umeh described the cultural day as unifying occasion .
“It is very diverse and shows different cultures that came together to form Nigeria.

“We should embrace our culture and we should not hide them from anyone.”

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

12 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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