The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), United States chapter, has urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the task of nation-building.
The message came in a statement issued by its Chairman, Ms Patience Kay, on Saturday to mark the nation’s 21st Democracy Day anniversary.
Noting that democracy “is not a spectator sport”, the organisation called for the engagement of young people and professionals home and abroad in the process.
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It also advocated the expansion of the nation’s civic space for “greater freedom of expression, and devolution of powers to constituent nationalities for a better sense of ownership by all stakeholders”.
“As we mark Democracy Day, NIDOA USA implores Nigerians from all works of life to rededicate themselves to the task of holding ourselves and our governments at all levels accountable.
“This is critical to building a more perfect union between the ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria.
“The national question has festered way too long. It is time to make the fellow from the South-East or South-South feel as valued as his or counterparts from any other part of the country,” it said.
NIDO said although the country had made significant progress since the return of democracy in 1999, many Nigerians still lack access to basic social services.
It said all hands must be on deck to ensure a stable supply of potable water, electricity, education, health care and other daily needs of the people.
The organisation also decried the security challenges in the country, calling on the government and citizens to join forces in tackling them.
“We call for fundamental structural and ethical reforms to reposition our nation on the path of sustainable development.
“Let us reengineer and harness our bountiful natural and human resource for exponential progress. We owe this to ourselves and the entire black race.
“NIDO USA congratulates the government and people of Nigeria on the 21st anniversary of uninterrupted civilian governance”, it said.
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