Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, on Friday, said President Goodluck Jonathan is laying the foundation for a new Nigeria anchored on equality and social justice.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Press Secretary, Mr Joseph Mutah.
The statement said Maku made the remark in Lokoja, Kogi, at a special church service to mark 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation.
“Through sound policies and commitment to the nation, the President is developing all parts of the country simultaneously.
“In the last three years, the President has founded thirteen universities, 10 of them are located in northern Nigeria and only three in the south.
“That is what we call justice, we believe a new generation must rise and give this nation leadership’’, the Minister was quoted as saying.
It stated that the federal government was constructing a seaport in Lokoja to convey vessels to the newly constructed Baro seaport following the dredging of River Niger.
The statement said the development would enhance inland waterways transportation that would open up the northern part of the country for more commercial activities.
It stated that train services which broke down before the advent of the present administration had been revived with the movement of trains from Lagos to Kano.
The statement also said that the minister preached forgiveness among the various ethnic and religious groups as a conscious effort to promote brotherhood and strengthen the bond of unity in the country.
It assured Nigerians that the nation was being reinvented based on sound principles and virtues that would bring about prosperity and development through the firm belief in God.
The statement said that the minister flayed proponents of the division of Nigeria and noted that Nigeria would surmount its challenges and endure perpetually.
“From today onward, Nigeria will begin to witness new peace; from today onward, those who doubt the unity of this country, will be converted like Paul on the road to Damascus.
“From today onward, God will touch the heart of those who use religion to divide, to destroy rather than to build”, Maku was quoted as saying.
It also said that Kogi Governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, thanked the congregation for seeking a new path for Nigeria through God.
It said that he was optimistic that God would always provide wisdom, guidance and knowledge for the country to overcome its challenges.
It stated that the founder of Throne Room Ministry, organisers of the special prayer session, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, said the service was to strengthen the unity among the diverse groups in the country.
“I advise Nigerians to appreciate the virtues and values in living together as a united nation. I urge politicians to be cautious with their utterances on peace and unity of the country.’’
It said that prayers were offered for peace to reign and abort any plan to cause confusion and division in the country.
