Professor Kailani Muhammed, Chairman of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria, affirmed that the nation’s unity remains intact despite ongoing demands for regional autonomy and state-controlled police forces. He emphasized that effective leadership is the cornerstone of national stability and advancement.
Speaking at the 14th anniversary summit of the Harmony Corps held in Abuja, where he also serves as the national chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force of Nigeria, Kailani addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s cohesion.
The summit, themed “Food Security Summit: Tracking Transport Challenges Against Economic Development in Nigeria,” was organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Products Dealers.
He firmly rejected separatist rhetoric, labeling such calls as misguided and unproductive.
“There are voices advocating for separation, regionalism, and state police, but these are distractions. The real issue at hand is the quality of leadership,” he stated.
Kailani highlighted Nigeria’s resilience, noting that the country has withstood threats to its unity for more than sixty-five years and will continue to do so if leaders prioritize the welfare of the populace.
“If separation was not an option over six decades ago, it certainly isn’t now. To my brothers in the East, Nigeria remains your home,” he asserted.
He underscored that national unity must transcend ethnic and regional loyalties, recalling how Nigeria’s founding figures united to prevent division during turbulent times.
“Leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello stood together when calls for division were loud. The challenge today is that political engagement lacks the same unity and vision,” he added.
Turning to the issue of food security, Kailani pointed out that numerous unauthorized checkpoints and extortion along highways significantly inflate food prices.
He revealed that the Harmony Corps has been tasked by the government to collaborate with agricultural stakeholders to dismantle these illegal barriers and lower transportation expenses for food commodities.
“For instance, I recently purchased 10 bags of maize in Kaduna. By the time they reach their destination, the cost has escalated due to over ten illegal toll points where illicit fees are collected. These added costs inevitably burden consumers,” he explained.
Ambassador Elizabeth Omini, founder of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria, echoed the call for unified efforts among all parties to address food insecurity and foster economic development.
“Through collective action, we can secure food availability, stimulate growth, and create a prosperous future for our country,” she concluded.
