Nation
Unity, Tolerance Key To National Security – NHRC
Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has said unity and tolerance are key to national security and development.
Ojukwu said this in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day of Tolerance held in collaboration with International Federation on Ageing Nigeria (IFAN) in Abuja, midweek.
“The day is set aside by the United Nations to promote tolerance among people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
“It is a day we are urged to raise awareness about cultural diversity and cohesion in an attempt to eradicate intolerance around the world,” he said.
The timing, he said, was apt considering the fact that Nigeria was gearing up for the 2023 general elections and campaigns, and discussions laced with misinformation and hate speeches.
Ojukwu called for actions that would support reconcilliation, peace, security and sustainable development.
“As a consequence, we must make bold statements to encourage tolerance and create awareness of the intersection between reconcilliation.
“Also social cohesion, interpersonal and cultural dialogue, justice and human rights protection in Nigeria.
“These are intrinsically interrelated and critical to strengthening democracy, national security and development” he said.
Ojukwu said all these could be achieved when stakeholders come togather to ensure government fulfilled its obligation.
Similarly, National Coordinator, IFAN, Ike Nwobu, said: “in a world that is changing quickly and society of diversity , we need tolerance.
“Tolerance is not indifference to others; nor does it imply the full acceptance of all beliefs and behaviours.
“Tolerance does not mean lesser committment to one’s own convictions or weakening of resolve.
“Tolerance is an act of humanity, it takes different forms, from universal human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he said.
He said building tolerance and understanding was fundamental for the twenty-first century in an increasingly globalised world.
Nwobu added that true tolerance required the free flow of ideas, quality education for all, respect for human rights.
The day is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness on the dangers of intolerance amd observed on November 16, every year.
Nation
Rumuaholu Community Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Accuses Obio/Akpor Chairman of Interference in Land Dispute
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.
Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.
The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.
“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.
Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state
He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.
“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.
While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.
He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.
Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.