joshuaABUJA 2024: BIG TENT CONFERENCE, ENDS IN GRAND STYLE
The Big Tent State Coordinators Forum at the weekend, held their maiden National conference, with the Theme: A New Nigeria Is possible. The conference which held on Saturday 5th October 2024 at Barcelona hotel Abuja, was a beehive of activities, where the chairman of the Occassion Prof Chris Nwaokobia expressed his delight, and congratulated the State Coordinators for organizing such timely event, at a time when the economy is biting hard, making it extremely difficult for organizations and groups, to hold such National programs. He admonished the participants and all citizens of the Nation, particularly the youths, to ensure they engage the old order system, in order to change the tide of events. He advised young people to take a queue from the Rivers State governor, who is his personal friend to understand that things are no longer same and no one should take them for a ride. He concluded by saying that the power of the people, is more stronger than the people in power. If we will live to see a new Nigeria, which is possible, we must insist that the electoral reforms see the light of day, Prof Chris concluded.
The host of the event, Comrade Sunday Bala Oma, who doubles as the Forum chairman, welcomed everyone, and admonish them never to give up on Nigeria, because together, we shall change the course of events by our daily lifestyle of value reorientation. He rounded up his speech by saying that he foresees by 2050, 80% of Nigerian Communities will have access to the five fundamental needs of life for their enjoyment, amongst these are portable water, Sound health care delivery system, constant power, quality education, and good infrastructure.
The keynote speaker who was the Presidential candidate of Labour party in the 2023 general elections, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, represented by the Global Coordinator of the Obidient movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, expressed his joy, and thanked the State Coordinators, who selflessly supported his presidential bid in 2023. He added that those who lost properties or their lives, never did that in vein. Mr Peter Obi assured the Forum of his continuous support towards their course, for which their overall intention, is inline with his blueprint to change Nigeria from consumption to a productive Nation.
On the other hand, Dr Yunusa Tanko who was also a guest speaker at the occassion, pointed out that only a nation whose citizens are selfless can guarantee the Nation, a new Nigeria. He admonish young people to not give up, demanding good governance from their leaders, because the bane of our society, is nothing but a nation devoid of quality and visionary leadership. He concluded by appealing to the youths to take their destiny in their hands, by joining the political revolution and recruitment going on across the federation through the Obidient movement grassroots mobilization and sensitization exercise.
Other speakers include, Senator Nenadi Sambo the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee chairperson, who spoke through the Secretary of the Committee Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku. He pointed out the need for Big Tent State Coordinators Forum and other organizations to work together to ensure Nigerian citizens register with the party, so they can have a say and also contest for election in the future. He frowned at the way the immediate past leadership of the party handled the passion of the masses, to vote credible leaders with levity. But was quick to assure that within the time given to them to deliver as a Committee, they will not fail Nigerians.
Prof Pat Utomi, the Convener of the Big Tent, was feasibly unhappy due to the frustration, occassioned by flight cancellation and delay across various airports within the country. Utomi admonished the citizens to keep the discussion on, in order to collectively chase out these failed leaders who are bent on destroying the Nation and throwing same into the dungeon of oblivion. He also believes in the new Nigeria project, which he and several other nationalist have been advocating for, over 5 decades now.
The Conference saw the audience both onsite and online, engaging the guest speakers who responded to all their questions.
The Conference came to its climax with the inauguration of the National Working Committee of the Forum, who will pilot the affairs of the Forum for two years. The 12 member elected NWC, inaugurated by Engr Gambo (CSF National Coordinator) are;
Dr Sunday Bala Oma – Chairman, Evang.
Ude Zion – Deputy chairman,
Hajiya Fatima Bukar – Secretary,
Prince Festus Bassey – Treasurer.
Others are: Prof Abdul Ibrahim- Vice Chairman North West,
Hon. Peter Edu- Vice Chairman North central,
Hon Lamai Raymond – Vice Chairman North East,
Chief Hon Oloye Adeniji – Vice Chairman South West,
Obong Nkan Akpabio (Obidient King) – Vice Chairman South South,
Prince Solomon Tagbo – Vice Chairman South East,
Akor Christian Oche – Publicity Secretary &
Engr. Yomi Ariyo – Assistant Secretary.
Those who graced the occassion were captains of industries, L.P. National Elders Council members, civil society organizations, Chief Executive Officers & Managing Directors of Companies. Season politicians, technocrats, market women, artisans, students unions and the general public
*MEDIA & PUBLICITY SUB COMMITTEE*
_for: The Forum_
