Chairman of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria, Prof. Kailani Muhammed, has said Nigeria’s unity is not threatened despite agitations for regionalism and state police, insisting that only good leadership can guarantee stability and progress.
Kailani, who also serves as the national chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force of Nigeria, spoke in Abuja yesterday during the 14th anniversary summit of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria.
The event, themed “Food Security Summit: Tracking Transport Challenges Against Economic Development in Nigeria,” was held in partnership with the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Products Dealers.
He dismissed calls for secession from various quarters, saying they were misplaced.
“Some people are saying we want to leave, we want to separate, we want a structure, we want regionalism, we want state police. That is not the case. The issue is good leadership,” he said.
Kailani noted that Nigeria had survived unity threats for over six decades and would remain one if leaders acted in the people‘s interest.
“If we could not separate 65 years ago, I don’t think we will separate now. Tell my brothers in the East — they are not going anywhere,” he declared.
He stressed that unity should not be compromised by tribal or regional sentiments, citing Nigeria’s founding fathers who resisted division in pursuit of nation-building.
“The great Zik of Africa, Awolowo and the Sardauna came together when people were calling for separation. The problem is that we are not playing politics properly,” he added.
On food security, Kailani identified multiple illegal checkpoints and highway extortion as key drivers of rising food prices.
He said the Harmony Corps had been mandated by the government to work with agricultural stakeholders to clear illegal roadblocks and reduce transportation costs for food items.
“For example, I bought 10 bags of maize from Kaduna yesterday. By the time it gets here, the price goes up because of over 10 illegal checkpoints where money is dubiously collected. That cost is passed on to consumers,” he explained.
In her remarks, Ambassador Elizabeth Omini, founder of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria, called for broad collaboration among stakeholders to tackle food insecurity and support economic growth.
“Together, we can make a difference and ensure food security, promote development, and build a better future for our nation,” she said.
