The Igbo World Union (IWU) has called for increased tolerance among Nigerians, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism in national discourse.
The call comes in response to recent online activism, particularly the "30 Days Rant Challenge" initiated by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, which has sparked widespread debate on governance, social justice, and national unity.
Speaking to newsmen in Umuahia, the President-General of the Igbo World Union, His Imperial Majesty Amb. Sir Dr. Mishak Nnanta, KJW, Gburugburu Ndigbo Dum, underscored the importance of national dialogue that fosters growth rather than division.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to engage in meaningful discussions on national issues while promoting respect, tolerance, and solutions-based criticism.
The 30 Days Rant Challenge, has gained momentum on social media platforms as a daily series highlighting grievances on governance, corruption, and systemic failures in Nigeria.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising it as a bold civic engagement effort, while others criticized it as overly negative and lacking in actionable solutions.
The Igbo World Union, while acknowledging the concerns raised in the challenge, stressed the need for balanced discourse.
“It is commendable that young people are finding their voice and holding leaders accountable. However, we must ensure that criticisms are constructive, devoid of hate speech, and geared toward nation-building,” Sir Nnanta stated.
The IWU leader emphasized that while criticism is essential in a democracy, it must be anchored in respect, facts, and solutions.
He warned against divisive rhetoric that could widen ethnic or political tensions in the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is our duty to criticize constructively and offer solutions that can help leaders make better decisions,” he said.
He further urged influencers, social media users, and civil society organizations to channel their advocacy into productive engagements with policymakers, rather than limiting discussions to complaints and outrage.
Beyond social media discourse, the Igbo World Union called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and mutual respect in their interactions, particularly in addressing sensitive national issues such as governance, economic hardship, and security challenges.
“As a people, we must understand that our strength lies in our unity. Every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, or background, has a role to play in shaping the country’s future,” Nnanta emphasized.
The group urged government officials to listen to the voices of the youth and ensure that criticisms are not dismissed but considered in policymaking. Additionally, it encouraged young people to engage in civic participation beyond social media by joining advocacy groups, attending public forums, and contributing to community development.
As the 30 Days Rant Challenge continues to spark debates, the Igbo World Union has called for a shift in focus toward national progress.
It advocates for a culture of "solution-oriented activism," where citizens not only voice out problems but also contribute ideas for improvement.
The IWU reiterated its commitment to fostering unity, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, dialogue, and collective efforts in building a stronger nation.
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