Annual Zik's lecture series holds sway in Awka as Leaders honour Zik of Africa

 

Annual Zik's lecture series holds sway in Awka as Leaders honour Zik of Africa

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe 

The peaceful capital city of Anambra, Awka welcomed leaders from various levels of the leadership hierarchy as they graced the the annually held Zik lecture series. This year theme, "Security, governance and nation building" had various speakers lay bare on the matters arising. 

In his keynote speech, the guest speaker of the occasion, the governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi said Zik was a truly versatile person who built himself through hardwork.   According to him, the nationalist played a vital role in ensuring freedom from colonial rule in Nigeria and African countries. 

"His works remain a classic touch to the freedom and emancipation of most African countries. 

He was a true Nigerian who spoke the three major languages of the country. He has the genius to translate and transmit his messages to others in very quintessential manner. 

He maintained that embracing patriotism was key to enhance all round development. 

"However the challenges of nation building is not only peculiar to Nigeria only. It is prevalent in other countries in pan African. For the nation to live, the idea of tribalism must die and all indifferences in opinions must be reconciled amicably. 

"His legacy was to envision a country where language or tribe or religion was an object of esteem value in unifying all aspects of rather than of chaos or clash of interest. "

 

Fayemi reiterated that national development cannot be achieved  without tackling the various challenges of insecurity and bad governance. 

He called for dialogue among the various agitating groups, "regardless of the ills of the society, war or violence is never the answer to the issues of nationhood, "he stated. 

On the same vein, the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Achebe expressed delight on the organizers and showered accolades for recognizing and immortalising the great nationalist, Nnamdi Azikiwe

"Today is remarkable as it reminds us of the great virtues played by the Zik of Africa. "

On the same development, Mrs. Azikiwe expressed joy on the program. She said it is very heart warming for her and the family as they honoured her husband. 

While speaking to journalists on the sidelines, Val Ozigbo, PDP flagbearer at the guber polls said

it is very remarkable to celebrate and appreciate very brilliant leaders who have etched their names in the sands of time.

" lt is memorial to immortalize the man who is already immortalized. Today we salute his doggedness and bravery in the active roles he played in nation building. 

"This also reminds us that we are not doing enough yet to live up to expectations that's why we the agitations springing from all corners. 

Highlights of the occasion includes the cutting of the cake and light refreshments.