Jonathan, Obi, Others Call for Peace and Unity at Wellmann Group Colloquium

DELTA: Prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, gathered on Monday at the Wellmann Group Colloquium in Effurun, Delta State, to advocate for peace, unity, and sustainable development.

The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the Wellmann Group, served as a forum for critical discussions on Nigeria’s challenges, focusing on restructuring and fostering national unity.

In his address, Jonathan underscored the importance of setting aside ethnic divisions for the nation's growth. “We must de-emphasize ethnicity and focus on unity. A united Nigeria is capable of achieving greater development,” he said. Jonathan added that leveraging Nigeria’s diversity as a strength could drive progress.

Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, applauded the Wellmann Group for facilitating the dialogue and emphasized the need for restructuring Nigeria's governance framework.

“Restructuring is key to building a sustainable federal system. States must assume more responsibilities while the Federal Government focuses on critical areas like foreign policy, defense, and the economy,” he stated.

Oborevwori also advocated for state policing as a solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. “The fears of misuse are no longer valid. State police will enhance local security, as communities are better positioned to address their unique challenges,” he argued.

Former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, represented at the event, highlighted the economic dependency of many states on federal allocations. He called for strategies to boost productivity and internal revenue generation.

“We must ensure our states are economically viable by fostering innovation, creating jobs, and embracing transparency and accountability,” Obi noted.

The colloquium, themed “Coast to Coast X-Ray of the Nigerian Project: What Panacea?” also featured contributions from other notable personalities. Discussions centered on decentralization, restructuring, and adopting the resolutions of the National Conference.

One speaker noted, “The 2014 National Conference recommendations provide a comprehensive blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s structural issues. Revisiting them is crucial for building a stronger and more equitable nation.”

The event concluded with a call for a national dialogue to tackle unresolved issues and redefine Nigeria’s federal structure. Participants agreed that empowering states through decentralization and fostering unity would enable the country to achieve sustainable development and leverage its diverse potential.

The Wellmann Group pledged to continue fostering discussions that promote solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, reiterating its commitment to the nation's progress.