An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain in Ekiti State, Mr Victor Kolade says Nigerians deserve a pat on the back for their resilience, success, tenacity and perseverance despite the strains of nationhood.

Barr. Kolade said this in a statement released by his media office in Ado Ekiti.

He, however, identified nation-building as the greatest challenge facing the country, adding that Nigerians still needs to improve the way they relate with one another.

He noted that there is an urgent need for the people to begin to see themselves first as Nigerians, rather than one ethnic group or the other.

“When Nigerians come together and are in one accord, we will be able to be a formidable entity and a force to reckon with in Africa and beyond. The country would also be able to attain some degree of excellence and defend its territory against external aggression”.

He, therefore, called for the spirit of oneness in nation building, while urging the warring actors clamouring for the division of the nation to sheath their swords, stressing that the relationship between different ethnic groups in Nigeria transcends beyond self-secession.

The APC bigwig further stressed that the future of the country lies in its ability to achieve unity and peace while urging those in leadership positions to show good examples to their followers.

According to him, unity and peace would be much easier to attain if leaders at all levels allow justice and fair play to govern their actions.

Barr. Kolade who is an aspirant jostling for the Governorship seat in Ekiti State, in the 2018 gubernatorial election, urged indigenes to remain steadfast and pray for a better state.

He noted that his reign in the state would focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas where the state is lagging behind in the committee of states across the country.