Comrade Godwin Meliga – I formed NUF to Foster Dialogue, Unity, Peace Among Diverse Groups
… we focus on addressing ethnic and religious tensions, social injustice, economic inequality, political polarization.
… Enjoy this interview as Comrade Meliga interacts with our Correspondent on his vision and motivations…
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to establish the National Unity Forum?
My name is Godwin Meliga, and I am the founder and convener of the National Unity Forum. As a passionate advocate for peace, social justice, and national cohesion, I have always been driven to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.
The National Unity Forum was born out of my desire to bring people together, foster dialogue, and promote understanding among diverse groups.
Growing up in a multicultural society, I witnessed firsthand the beauty of diversity and the challenges that come with it.
This experience inspired me to create a platform where people from all walks of life could come together, share their experiences, and work towards a common goal of building a more united and harmonious society.
2. What motivated you to focus on national unity, and what specific issues does your organization seek to address?
The motivation behind focusing on national unity stems from the realization that our society is becoming increasingly fragmented along ethnic, religious, and socio-economic lines.
This fragmentation has led to mistrust, intolerance, and conflict, which threaten the very fabric of our nation.
The National Unity Forum seeks to address these issues by promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse groups.
Specifically, we focus on issues such as ethnic and religious tensions, social injustice, economic inequality, and political polarization.
By addressing these issues, we aim to create a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society.
3. Since its inception, what have been the major achievements of the National Unity Forum in promoting peace and social cohesion?
Since its inception, the National Unity Forum has achieved several milestones in promoting peace and social cohesion.
Some of our notable achievements include: hosting national conferences and summits that brought together leaders from diverse backgrounds to discuss pressing national issues; establishing community-based initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation; launching advocacy campaigns that raised awareness about social justice and human rights; and providing training and capacity-building programs for community leaders and activists.
These efforts have helped to build bridges of understanding among diverse groups, promote peaceful coexistence, and foster a sense of national unity.
4. What are the key initiatives or projects your organization is currently working on, and how do they impact communities across the country?
The National Unity Forum is currently working on several key initiatives and projects that aim to promote peace, social cohesion, and national unity.
Some of these initiatives include: the “Unity in Diversity” project, which brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation; the “Community Peacebuilding Initiative,” which provides training and capacity-building programs for community leaders and activists; and the “National Unity Awards,” which recognizes and rewards individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting national unity.
These initiatives have a positive impact on communities across the country by promoting peaceful coexistence, fostering a sense of national unity, and empowering community leaders and activists to become agents of positive change.
5. What are your goals for 2025, and what strategies do you plan to implement to achieve them?
Our goals for 2025 are ambitious and focused on deepening our impact and expanding our reach. Specifically, we aim to: establish a network of community-based peacebuilding initiatives across the country; launch a national advocacy campaign to promote social justice and human rights; and host a major national conference on peace and national unity.
To achieve these goals, we plan to implement several strategies, including: building partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders; mobilizing resources and support from donors and sponsors; and leveraging social media and other digital platforms to amplify our message and reach a wider audience.
6. Looking ahead to the next five years, where do you see the National Unity Forum, and what long-term impact do you hope to make?
Looking ahead to the next five years, I envision the National Unity Forum becoming a leading voice and catalyst for peace, social cohesion, and national unity in our country.
I see us establishing a strong presence in every state and local government area, with a network of community-based initiatives and partnerships with key stakeholders. I hope that our work will have a profound and lasting impact on our society, promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding that will be felt for generations to come.
Ultimately, our goal is to help build a more united, harmonious, and prosperous society, where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.
BRIEF PROFILE OF COMRADE GODWIN OJOMACHENWU MELIGA
Comrade Godwin Ojomachenwu Meliga is a distinguished economist, businessman, politician and human rights activist with a strong commitment to youth development, governance, and entrepreneurship.
Born on November 22, 1977, in Dekina Local Government of Kogi State, Comrade Meliga pursued his early education at Ternamdo Nursery and Primary School, and Ecwa Secondary School, both in Makurdi, Benue State. He later earned a Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Jos, Plateau State.
Comrade Meliga’s leadership journey began during his university days, where he played key roles in student and youth organizations. He served as National Coordinator of the Northern Youth Leaders’ Forum (NYLF); National President of the National Association of Middle-Belt Students (NAMBS); and Zone ‘C’ Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He has also held key positions in the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Rebuild Nigeria Initiative (RNI).
Beyond activism, Comrade Meliga is a successful entrepreneur. He is the Chairman/CEO of GM Integrated Services Limited, a Civil Engineering and Construction firm. Through this venture, he has provided employment opportunities and financial empowerment to numerous young people.
Meliga’s career also includes national political engagements. From 2015 to 2019, he served as Technical Advisor to Hon. Dr. Tony Nwoye, a Member of the Federal House of Representatives. He returned to the National Assembly in 2023, as a Special Adviser on Special Duties to Senator Tony Nwoye, a position which he holds till date.
Meliga was also the Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Kogi State House of Assembly to represent Okura Constituency, in the 2023 General Elections.
A keen advocate for peace, social cohesion and national development, Comrade Meliga founded the National Unity Forum, a nongovernmental organization that brings diverse people together to foster dialogue, and promote understanding, peaceful coexistence and harmony.
Meliga has participated in several high-level workshops and conferences, including programs by the National Democratic Institute (USA) and the African Union.
A committed philanthropist, Comrade Meliga has sponsored scholarships for indigent students and facilitated access to financial empowerment schemes, such as the CBN COVID-19 and AGSMEIS loans, for citizens of Kogi State.
Fluent in English and Igala languages, Meliga is widely traveled, and has built strong business networks across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Comrade Meliga resides in Abuja but maintains deep ties to his roots in Makurdi, Jos, and Dekina. A devoted family man, he is married to Peace Meliga, and they are blessed with three children.
9th February, 2025
