The Federal Government says the country will continue to maximise the dividends of being part of the supportive community of 56 member nations across Africa, Asia, America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, stated this commitment in Abuja on Tuesday at a news conference to commemorate the 2023 Commonwealth Day with the theme: ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Future’.
Adamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr David Adejo said the 2023 celebration was a call on young people to raise a “Flag of Peace” as a demonstration of their commitment to inculcate values that would engender national unity and a sustainable peaceful future for all.
He said that peace was a commitment of all communities; hence the ministry had put in place the safe school initiative to protect schools and children from attacks.
“As we are aware, this association of nations with diverse cultures, varied gross national income per capita, different levels of industrialisation and technological infrastructure always tolerate, respect and mutually work together for the promotion of peace, democracy and prosperity.
“Member states promote commonwealth shared values every year during the commemoration.
“And in view of the conflict situation in some of the Commonwealth countries and globally, this year’s celebration is calling on all young people to raise a “Flag of Peace” as a demonstration of their commitment to inculcate those values that will engender national unity.
“You will all agree that this call cannot come at a more auspicious time than now as our young people begin to progressively shun violence and adapt dialogue as a means of redress,” he said.
Adamu said that the ministry in a bid to commemorate the day, requested the management of respective State Ministries of Education nationwide to put in place programmes in all their educational institutions to commemorate the day.
He said that the ministry had provided a line-up of activities to mark the day with some private and public schools including Federal Unity Colleges within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs to participate in the commemoration quiz competition which took place on Feb. 16.
“Each of the selected schools nominated two students to participate in the written test in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Current Affairs and Commonwealth Questions.
“The highest 10 scorers regardless of the school competed in the oral quiz and the best three winners will be rewarded handsomely.
“The 3rd to 9th runners-up will also receive consolation prizes on the commemoration Day on March 13. It is important to note that the test scripts were marked and the scores released immediately for credibility, transparency and accountability,” he added.
The minister, therefore, urged all State Ministries of Education to encourage their pupils and students to mark the day for the promotion of tolerance, respect, understanding, and moderation, which were necessary values for peace, prosperity and democracy to be entrenched.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commonwealth day is an annual celebration observed all over the commonwealth nations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific and Europe
The 2023 theme combines the active commitment of member states to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability, especially through climate action to secure a better future for young people and improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens. (NAN)
