Theme: Unity in Diversity: Building a National Identity Beyond Ethno-Religious Fault Lines
Esteemed dignitaries, distinguished panelists, revered elders, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
Today, we gather in honour of a man who carried Nigeria in his heart with the tenderness of a father, the passion of a patriot, and the courage of a lion: Tony Uranta.
Tony was more than a friend; he was my brother.
A brother in vision.
A brother in conviction.
A brother in the unwavering belief that Nigeria can and must rise above the limitations we often impose upon ourselves.
To describe Tony Uranta is to speak of a soul that refused to be indifferent.
A Pan-Africanist who saw Africa not as a collection of borders, but as a tapestry of shared destinies.
A bridge-builder who believed that justice is not merely a moral ideal but the foundation upon which true progress rests.
A man whose life philosophy was simple: “If it concerns Nigeria, it concerns me.”
He was courageous in the face of adversity, unyielding in his pursuit of truth, and tireless in his devotion to a Nigeria that works, not for a few, but for all.
Tony did not just love Nigeria; he wrestled for her.
He challenged her.
He bled for her.
And today, his legacy challenges all of us to continue the fight; for unity, for progress, for truth, and for national identity.
THEME: Unity in Diversity — Building a National Identity Beyond Ethno-Religious Fault Lines
This theme could not be more appropriate, especially in a season when national fault lines are being tested; sometimes stretched, sometimes exploited, often misunderstood.
But let us be frank with ourselves: Nigeria’s diversity is not the problem. Our inability to manage, celebrate, and harmonise that diversity is what threatens us.
In engineering, we say: “Diversity of material properties is what gives strength to composite structures.”
In human society, it is the same.
Nigeria is a composite structure:
- over 250 ethnic groups,
- multiple religions,
- diverse histories,
- varied tongues, rhythms, myths, and memories.
Yet diversity was never meant to divide.
It was meant to enrich, expand, strengthen, and elevate.
When we view diversity through the lens of competition, we breed suspicion.
But when we view it through the lens of nationhood, we unlock innovation.
The true challenge before us is not whether we can live together; Nigerians already do.
The question is: Can we think together? Can we plan together? Can we dream together?
Can we build a nation where:
- identity is not weaponised,
- religion is not politicised,
- ethnicity is not monetised, and
- citizenship is not marginalised?
That is the Nigeria Tony Uranta believed in.
A Nigeria where unity is not a slogan but a lived experience.
A Nigeria where young people are not reduced to ethnic champions, but elevated as global citizens.
A Nigeria where justice is not selective, and progress is not seasonal.
If we must build a national identity beyond fault lines, then we must do three things:
1. Renew Our Shared Narrative
Nationhood is not sustained by geography but by story.
What is the story we tell ourselves?
What is the story we teach our children?
What is the story we believe about one another?
2. Strengthen Institutions Above Individuals
Fault lines thrive where institutions are weak.
Unity thrives where institutions are strong, predictable, inclusive, and fair.
3. Honour Our Collective Humanity
Before tribe, before religion, before politics; there is humanity.
This was Tony’s truth.
This must become our truth.
CLOSING AND TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILY
To the beloved family of our departed icon; his wife, his children, his siblings, and all who shared his daily world; we say: thank you.
Thank you for sharing Tony with Nigeria.
Thank you for the sacrifices made quietly, while he fought loudly.
Thank you for sustaining his vision beyond his lifetime.
May God strengthen you.
May His grace comfort you.
And may Tony’s legacy remain a guiding light, not only in your home, but in the heart of every Nigerian committed to a better nation.
Tony’s departure left a void — YES.
But his ideas left a map.
A map of the Nigeria he dreamed of.
A Nigeria that must emerge.
May we find the courage to follow that map.
May we find the wisdom to live out his ideals.
And may his memory continue to inspire a nation still searching for itself.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. AMEN
