Promoting Tolerance and Unity

Reading Against Intolerance Initiative Presents Heritage Series to Vice President

ABUJA, March 3, 2023 – With an aim to foster social cohesion, promote cross-cultural learning, and counter intolerance, the Reading Against Intolerance (RAI) Initiative launched its Nigeria Heritage Series on Friday. Comprising 21 books, the series explores Nigeria’s rich and diverse history through inspirational stories for school-age children.

At a special ceremony held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, the RAI team presented the books to His Excellency, the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN. Led by Chris Ngwodo, Director General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), the team included Dr. Garba Abari, Director General of the National Orientation Agency, and John Adoga of +234Express, the publishers of the series.

The RAI initiative is a collaborative effort of OSPRE, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), and +234 Express. This partnership underscores the commitment of various sectors in Nigeria towards fostering unity and understanding among the nation’s youth through literature.

Speaking about the initiative, Chris Ngwodo stated, “Our goal is to instill a deep sense of unity, mutual respect, and tolerance in our children. We believe that the best way to do this is by introducing them to our diverse cultural heritage and showcasing our shared history.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo commended the RAI team for this innovative approach to promoting social cohesion. “This project is an invaluable tool to foster understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among our future leaders. By reading these stories, our children will appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Nigeria.”

The initiative and the Heritage Series represent a significant step in leveraging literature as a tool for peace and unity. The books are set to be distributed to schools nationwide, providing an invaluable resource for teaching and encouraging dialogue about Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

In a time when the world grapples with divisiveness, initiatives such as RAI are more important than ever. The Nigeria Heritage Series not only educates young Nigerians about their history but also helps foster a spirit of unity and mutual respect, vital for the nation’s future. This move promises a new era in promoting cultural understanding and tolerance among Nigeria’s youth, setting a significant precedent for other nations to follow.