By Favour Goodness
A centenarian activist, High Chief Josephine Ezeanyaeche, charged the nation’s leaders to ensure that Nigeria remained one indivisible nation, amid persistent calls from some quarters for the country to disintegrate.
Ezeanyaeche, who is 102 years and known popularly as “Mama Africa”, gave the charge when she visited the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Ezeanyaeche, who is also the founder of the advocacy group, Voice of Senior Citizens of Nigeria, said she had embarked on advocacy visits to media houses to advocate peace and unity for Nigeria, which is Africa’s biggest nation.
According to her, the visit is part of an ongoing campaign by her group to sensitize the populace on the plights of senior citizens, including women and children.
She said that the visit was also aimed at strengthening efforts being made by the Federal Government to ensure unity and prevent unnecessary rancour in the country.
The activist said that her desire as a centenarian was to see government uniting citizens to work for the greatness of Nigeria as Giant of Africa, saying that Nigeria was expected to show example and inspiring leadership in Africa.
Commending Anambra indigenes and President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent peaceful election in Anambra State, the centenarian expressed her optimism that the 2023 elections would also be free, fair and credible like what obtained in Anambra.
“INEC has done well and has shown commitment, good leadership and ability to handle the 2023 general elections.
“ My desire is to see Nigeria uniting her citizens in corporate governance so as to lead Africa to achieve unity, progress and development in all areas of human endeavor.’’
Asked to explain the secret behind her longevity, the centenarian told Nigerians to eat healthy foods, be prayerful and to desist from doing evil.
She stressed the need for parental care and guidance to ensure appropriate upbringing of children, devoid of negative influences that might affect them or the society.
The high chief has received several awards for her selfless services and contributions to humanity in her earthly sojourn spanning over 100 years so far.
Responding, NAN Editor-in-Chief, Mr Silas Nwoha expressed appreciation to the group for the recognition given to NAN in the group’s advocacy programmes.
Nwoha reiterated the commitment of the agency to giving voice to every citizen, including senior folks, women and children.
He assured that NAN would bring the challenges facing senior citizens, women and children to the forefront so that government would tackle such problems.
Other highlights of the visit were the presentation of Christmas cards to the management and staff of the agency.
