Ethnic origin concept leads to disunity, says Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the promotion of ethnic origin leads to more division and disunity among Nigerians, noting that Nigerians should regard themselves as one and members of any community they find themselves.

Speaking at the swearing-in of 2,787 Batch ‘B’ Corp members posted to the State, Oshiomhole said youths should build bridges of unity in-spite of the challenges facing the Nation.

Oshiomhole who said Edo State is the safest place to be throughout the federation said: “For me, this concept of ethnic origin is problematic. It seems to me therefore that when we talk of origin, it’s only to the extent that our memory can go”.

There is only one origin which is the origin of the human race. “Your coming to Edo State to spend the next one year, rediscovering yourselves, promoting the spirit of solidarity and comradeship among yourselves, relocating to various parts of Edo State both rural areas and urban areas, living with our people, interacting with them, learning to appreciate various cultures and traditions and leaving your own parents behind wherever they are, you are demonstrating and making practical statements that the Nigerian Youth believe in the unity and the indivisibility of the Nigerian nation and that you are willing and ready to contribute to building bridges of unity across both imaginary and real divides”, he added.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sport as well Chairman of the Governing Board of the NYSC, Mr. Chris Okaeben, said the program for the orientation has been deliberately designed to prepare the members for life in the larger society. He said Edo State is a peace loving state and assured the Corp Members of a successful stay

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