Nigeria, Aug. 20 -- In a country as diverse as Nigeria - over 200 million people, 500 languages, more than 200 ethnic groups, and three major religions-the search for national unity is not just a noble aspiration; it is a strategic necessity for nation-building, deepening democracy, and unlocking sustainable development. Without unity, the state struggles to mobilise citizens' collective will, build strong institutions, and deliver inclusive growth.

Yet the path to unity is often misunderstood. It is too often pursued as a quick win - declared in speeches and celebrated in symbolic moments - rather than built through the patient work it requires. True unity demands long-term investment, deliberate trust-building, and reconciliation. It c...