The Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has described the Peace Corps of Nigeria as agent of peace, unity and national integration.

Usman who is the Chairman, Katsina State Council of Emirates said Nigeria was in dire need of organisations such as Peace Corps, at a time the nation was sliding into deep crises.

He said that insecurity, hate speeches, chauvinism, agitations, quit notice, unpatriotic and selfish interest of some leaders needed to be addressed.

Speaking in his palace on Thursday when he received the national officers of Peace Corps of Nigeria, the Emir said Nigeria should use the opportunity to prove to the world that “We are truly giant of Africa”.

“Religious and tribal sentiments are the greatest enemies of this country. Until we learn how to tolerate each other, no matter the tribe or religion, we would not get it right in this country”, the Emir said.

The Paramount Ruler who is also the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, said other states should learn from Katsina state, where the indigenes live happily with non-indigenes and other tribes having critical positions in the Emirates.

“We should be one. We live side by side, we sit down side by side to eat and drink together here. Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Birom, we should remain united. Igbos and Yorubas are my brothers and sisters, I will use my last blood to fight for one Nigeria”.

On the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill which was recently passed by the National Assembly, the Emir pledged the total support of the Emirates in Council, urging the President to quickly assent to the Bill, to help empower the teeming youth and curtail social vices in the society.

Earlier in his address, the National Commandant of the Corps, Amb. (Dr.) Dickson Akoh, lauded the traditional ruler for championing the course of peace and mutual integration among the indigenes and the dwellers.

While pledging total support of the Peace Corps Officers to the programmes of the Emirates, Akoh also appealed for the support of the traditional council for the speedy assent of the Bill when transmitted to the president. (NAN)

Update news