Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, recently shared an important message about what really drives progress in a country. He said that true progress does not depend on how big a community or country is, but on how united its people are.
Speaking in Adamawa State during a cultural event, Dogara explained that although religion and ethnicity can divide people, these differences can be overcome if people choose to come together. He reminded everyone that unity is the real source of strength.
At the Bwatiye cultural festival held in Yola, Dogara, who was honored as the Father of the Day, said, “Our strength comes from being united, not from numbers.” He praised the Bwatiye people for their unity, saying that it is this togetherness that makes them strong.
During the event, which also included a fundraising activity, Dogara emphasized that Nigeria as a whole will only move forward if its people stay united. “Nigeria’s progress won’t come because we are a large country, but because we work together,” he said. He encouraged Nigerians to focus on the things they share in common rather than the things that divide them.
Dogara also pointed out that religion and ethnicity should not be reasons for division because they do not teach hate or separation. Instead, he urged Nigerians to remember their shared humanity and build connections on that basis.
The Bwatiye cultural festival, which lasted three days, attracted people from all over Adamawa State and neighboring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and parts of Central Africa. The event aimed to bring the Bwatiye people together, strengthen their unity, and promote the common good of their community.
The Bwatiye are made up of two ethnic groups: the Bachama and the Bata. They mainly live in parts of Adamawa State such as Numan, Demsa, Girei, Fufore, and Lamurde, as well as some areas in Cameroon.
One of the highlights of the festival was the fundraising, where the Bwatiye people raised millions of Naira. The money will help build a unity school, which will serve as a place to teach and encourage togetherness among their people.
Dogara’s message is clear: true progress comes from unity, and by focusing on what brings people together, Nigeria and its communities can achieve great things.
