LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A retired General and former Minister of Defence under President Obasanjo’s administration, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, on Friday said the country has become a laughing stock to the rest of the world due to rising insecurity .
He said this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Ibi, Taraba State.
The former Chief of Army Staff, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, appealed to Nigerians to end all sorts of crimes that have dented the face of the country not to experience peace.
He said: “There must be peace in Taraba and Nigeria for any meaningful development to take place.
“At the moment, no sane foreigner will choose to come to Nigeria when we are butchering each other in all the places.
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Stop the kidnapping, stop the needless crises, and stop the killings that have made Nigeria a laughing stock of the rest of the world.”
He noted that the Fishing festival is not just to showcase Jukun cultural values alone but also serves as a meeting point for diverse communities.
He commended the Taraba State Government, organisers, and supporters for reviving the festival and urged the people to embrace peace if they want the festival to be truly International
The Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who was at the event, said the festival is a symbol of unity among neighbouring states and reiterated his commitment to ensure its sustainability
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, added that his administration would ensure to use the festival to promote justice, peace, and unity among diverse groups in the state.
In his final note, he thanked Danjuma, Gov Fintri, and the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Odeh, as well as other dignitaries for gracing the event.
“The festival, which commenced on Friday, will end on Saturday with a fishing competition,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.