Forum Of Former Legislators Harps On importance Of Unity To National Development

Former and Serving Political Leaders have stressed the importance of national unity as the foundation for Nigeria’s development.

This was the focus at the 2025 Southern Summit of Former Legislators, organised by the National Forum of Former Legislators, with the theme “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building,” held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

In his goodwill message, Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the forum’s leadership for the initiative. He stressed that Nigeria could not attain true nationhood unless leaders and citizens deliberately embraced unity beyond faith and ethnicity.

Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the summit as a strategic meeting of experienced political leaders in Southern Nigeria to forge a common front for peace and unity. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s “transformative leadership” and courage in undertaking difficult reforms aimed at building a resilient nation.

Delivering his remarks on behalf of President Tinubu, Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on reforms, infrastructure, human capital development, and inclusive governance. He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy, establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and tax reforms as bold policies to secure Nigeria’s future.

Gbajabiamila praised the contributions of former legislators to nation-building and cited economic data showing improved growth, reduced deficits, and rising foreign investment as proof of progress. He urged Nigerians to embrace diversity, reject division, and work collectively to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The summit brought together former lawmakers, political leaders, and stakeholders from across the southern region to deliberate on strengthening unity as the cornerstone of national development.