AS the eighth edition of the Abuja National Carnival came to an end on Tuesday, President Goodluck Jonathan restated the need for Nigerians to regard the event as a way of fostering peace and unity in the country .
Represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim , Jonathan lauded the peaceful nature of the event.
He added that carnival not only showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the people but more importantly a symbolized peace and harmony of the country.
' 'You have contributed in no small measure in projecting the true identity of our dear country as a friendly, united and peaceful nation,'' he said.
Bearing in mind the recent security challenges of the country and the fact that while the carnival was on, a police station in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja was attacked leading to deaths, Jonathan expressed confidence in the ability of the country to overcome the challenges, stressing that the carnival had demonstrated Nigerians' resolve to live together as one indivisible entity.
''Our resolve to live together in peace and harmony as one indivisible country, we shall definitely overcome any divisible tendency, which seeks to disunite us. Such will further assist us to overcome challenges, which test our effort and ability to create safe, peaceful and prosperous nation. Nigerians certainly love one another and want to live in peace with one another,'' he stated.
He further urged Nigerians to continue to live together in harmony and preach the message of peace at every opportunity, adding
Jonathan added: ''We must continue to use every opportunity, such as this carnival, to drive this point home and encourage one another as we continue to collectively work as a group for the peace and development of our dear country.''
He commended the Minister of Tourism, Edem Duke, his team, governors and sponsors for the success of the in the festival.
Jonathan used the occasion to call on investors to invest in the industry and other sectors of the economy and assured them of government's readiness in creating enabling environment for the rapid development of the country.
