The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI), is set to hold a high-level conference to discuss Nigeria’s national unity.
The National Publicity Secretary, AANI, retired Brig.-Gen. Dani Usman, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Usman said the association was concerned about divisive tendencies in the country, hence the need for the conference.
He said that the conference with the theme, “Nigeria’s National Unity in the build up to the 2023 General Elections”, will hold on Sept. 20.
Usman said the institute had since its establishment in 1979 remained a reservoir and think-tank on public policies in Nigeria.
“As one of the foremost stakeholders in the Nigerian state, we are deeply concerned over the country’s growing insecurity, violent extremism, and ethno-religious crisis, especially as we approach the 2023 general elections.
“This underscores the need to interrogate the circumstances that led to the present national challenges and proffer appropriate recommendations and implementation strategies,” he said.
The AANI spokesman said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will chair the conference while retired Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai will be the keynote Speaker.
Agwai was a former Chief of Defence Staff and ex-Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Peacekeeping.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad-Abubakar III, who is also the Chairman of AANI Heritage Council, will be the Royal Father of the day, while FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello, will be the Chief Host.
Other prominent Nigerians expected to attend the conference include, Gov. Babagana Zullum of Borno, that of Jigawa, Badaru Abubakar and other governors from across the country.
The rest include members of National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council, as well as eminent Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, among others,” he said.
