Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed the hope that with collective determination of all Nigerians, the country would rise above all the obstacles holding her down.
Abubakar spoke yesterday at the fourth convocation ceremony of the Pamo University of Medical Science (PUMS) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The convocation featured the award of honorary doctorate degree on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the presentation of awards to some prominent Nigerians.
The former head of state, who is also the chancellor of the university, reminded Nigerians that progress and development do not come in an atmosphere of disunity.
He said: “Your Excellences, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as the year 2024 progresses to leave us, allow me to wish you a very merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance. We need to live in peace and unity to overcome the challenges that bother us, including the Nigerian economy which affects every citizen.
“When we address our social issues with compassion, fostering a society where peace, justice and equality are paramount, with God’s guidance and collective determination of our people, I have confidence that Nigeria will rise above these obstacles and emerge stronger, more prosperous, more united than ever before.
“Wherever you are, contribute your own quota because if there is no peace, there won’t be progress.”
The former military leader advised the graduands to be ambassadors of positive change and contribute meaningfully to the country’s health sector.
In his address, pro-chancellor of the university and former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, said the state government through the Ministry of Health had offered automatic employment to all the 76 graduands.
