Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, with the call for restructuring echoing louder than ever.
As the nation grapples with the complexities of its multi-ethnic identity, a united front has emerged, championing the cause of a more harmonious and equitable society.
At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, who has partnered with Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to convene the Apostolic Round Table 2025.
The year’s event themed, “Stewards Of Nations Season 2: One Nigeria?” resonates deeply with the nation’s aspirations, and will find engagement by several prominent citizens.
Groups participating at ART Round Table scheduled for Ikeja-Lagos, are Movement for National Reformation, founded by Chief Anthony Enahoro and led by Chief Cornelius Adebayo, former Governor of old Kwara State; The Rebirth Group, led by Deacon Owolabi Oladejo; and The Patriots, represented by likes of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Kalu Idika Kalu, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Olawale Okunniyi.
Other prominent sons to grace the event include the Host, Rev. David Ize-Iyamu, former Presidential Candidate of BNPP in 2019; the Chairman, Ambassador Steven Bangoji, President, Congress Of Northern Nigerian Christians; Bishop Joe Ighalo, Patron, Indigenous Group for Restructuring of Project Victory Call Initiative, as Keynote Speaker; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and iWalk Ambassador 2024, Dr Polycarp Gankon, 2019 Governorship Candidate of APGA in Kaduna State.
According to Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, ART 2025 aims to foster meaningful discussions and debates on the need for restructuring. Stressing that democracy is deepened by dialogues, debates and discussions, Dr Akinyemi noted that “the multi-ethnic territories homelands structure that existed pre-colonialism, must be reverted back to if Nigeria must remain as one.”
He singled out “interests and “we the people” pronouncement in the 1963 Constitution of the country as major drawbacks, but expressed gratitude for return to democracy after disruptions by military rule.
He explained that where politics is not played responsibly, the consequences can be grievous.
He said: “Restructuring is not a second option to a united, better and greater Nigeria, it is the only option. Only a return to true federalism by the indigenous ethnic groups can nurture our multi-ethnic nation to unity, and that decision must be taken now, else its postponement beyond 2025 may spell doom for the nation. Time to act on restructuring is now.
“I encourage all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to lend their voices to the nurturing of our democracy for the benefit of all ethnic nationalities.”
He further declared that “there is no end to division once politics is the game, 70% of issues around our division are politically driven. Nation building, however is beyond politics. Unity is the goal, truth the message, objectivity the means. This is our pursuit as a group.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi propagated the need to play down on politicizing religion and instead, embrace unity. He said this course of action was vital given the number of people who had lost their lives recently as a result of politicizing religion across the country.
Senator Fadahunsi promised to champion a platform of a Christian Legislative Revolution Network to push for a United Nigeria by engaging with their Muslims counterparts at the National Assembly.
“It’s unfortunate that what the unfortunate incident at the Islamic High School in Ibadan offered us as a nation wasn’t allowed to see the light of the day,” Senator Fadahunsi lamented.
The Apostolic Round Table 2025 serves as a clarion call to all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to lend their voices to the nurturing of democracy and the promotion of a united, multi-ethnic nation.
In a nation where democracy is deepened by dialogues, debates, and discussions, the Apostolic Round Table 2025 represents a critical step towards a more harmonious and equitable society. As Nigeria looks to the future, one thing is clear: restructuring is no longer a choice, but a necessity. The time to act is now, and the Apostolic Round Table 2025 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
