The previous Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.) stated on Friday that Nigeria has become a total embarrassment and object of ridicule to the rest of the world due to frequent killings and kidnapping affecting the country.
Danjuma conveyed this message while addressing the 2024 Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in the Ibi Local government area of Taraba State.
The respected statesman, who chaired the event, mourned that Nigeria was unfortunately in a state of conflict and a source of absurdities that leaves a negative impression on people globally.
The retired military leader urged Nigerians to restore the nation’s reputation on the global stage.
While cautioning about the impending danger, Danjuma remarked, ” I want to caution you that if we truly want this festival to be recognized internationally, we must resolve our internal issues and ensure peace in Taraba and Nigeria.
“There is no rational foreign individual who will come to Nigeria to celebrate with us if we continue to harm one another, if we continue to massacre one another, and make our roads unsafe for people to travel.
“As we are now in Nigeria, we bring shame to the entire world. The entire country is in a state of conflict among our own people.
“We must address our own internal problems because currently we are an object of ridicule to the entire world. We must stop killing each other. We must ensure safety on our roads, in our homes, and stop kidnapping. May Almighty God continue to be with us as we strive to resolve our internal issues.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace and harmony and celebrate the ties that unite us as one family. May this occasion serve as a reminder of our identity and the strength found in our unity.
“We must address our own internal problems and achieve peace in our state and across the country if we want this to genuinely be an international festival.”
In his address at the event, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, stated that his administration is dedicated to ensuring justice and peace so that development can thrive in the state.
Kefas mentioned that as a natural gift to the nation, Taraba must be displayed to the rest of the world so that the state's considerable potential can be fully utilized and to guarantee that Taraba is secure for everyone.
On his part, the Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, advocated for the continuation of the cultural festival and pledged the commitment of the Adamawa state government to support the hosting of the festival for the social-political, economic, and peaceful coexistence of the people of Taraba and Adamawa states.
