“The 140th anniversary was designed to move beyond commemoration by promoting historical scholarship, heritage preservation, cultural tourism, peacebuilding and intergenerational knowledge transfer”
Obasanjo to grace Kiriji 140th anniversary, emphasizes unity in diversity
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has pledged to attend the forthcoming 140th Anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Accord.
The former president expressed strong support for the initiative of the Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation.
Chief Obasanjo made the commitment when he received a delegation of the Foundation led by the Consultant to the Foundation, Prof. Olubukola Monisola Oyawoye, and Trustee of the Foundation, Prof. Soji Adejumo, during a courtesy visit to him in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delegation briefed the former President on the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the history and heritage of the Kiriji War and its peace settlement, as well as the activities planned to commemorate its 140th anniversary.
The anniversary, themed “140 Years of Peace, Unity and Yoruba Heritage,” will feature a Heritage Symposium, Peace Walk and Heritage Rally, historical exhibition and other commemorative activities.
Chief Obasanjo, who expressed keen interest in the anniversary, assured the delegation of his presence at the commemorative programme.
He said, “I will definitely be there. This is something that we must support because the lesson of Kiriji is important to us as a people and as a nation”.
The former president also stressed the importance of unity in diversity, noting that Nigeria’s different cultures, histories and identities should be harnessed as sources of strength rather than division.
He said “We must recognise our diversity, but we must also understand that our diversity should bring us together. Unity in diversity is what we should continue to promote”.
Responding, Prof. Adejumo, described Chief Obasanjo’s commitment as significant to the Foundation’s efforts to give the Kiriji story the national and international attention it deserves.
He said, “Kiriji is not simply the story of a war; it is the story of how a people chose peace after years of conflict. That is why we believe its lessons remain relevant today.
“The commitment of Chief Obasanjo further strengthens our resolve to preserve and promote this important heritage”, Prof. Adejumo said.
In her remarks, Prof. Oyawoye expressed appreciation to the former President for receiving the delegation and for identifying with the Foundation’s vision.
She noted that the 140th anniversary was designed to move beyond commemoration by promoting historical scholarship, heritage preservation, cultural tourism, peacebuilding and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The Foundation described Chief Obasanjo’s pledge to attend as a major boost to the anniversary programme and reiterated its commitment to using the Kiriji legacy to promote peace, unity, reconciliation and the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
