The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Syminton on Thursday said that  attempts to divide Nigeria will fail. He said the resilience, vision and dedication of Nigerians were essential tools which would make the country to overcome its numerous challenges.

Mr. Symington stated this when he hosted the 241st Independence anniversary celebration of the United States in Nigeria.

He said that Nigeria, just like his country, is a wonderfully diverse nation with cultural and religious differences which are unparalleled sources of strength and pride.

“Whenever I meet a Nigerian, I ask, ‘ What do you like most about your country?’,. The invariable reply from more than a thousand Nigerian is ‘ I like the Nigerian people. I like our diversity, our resilience, our energy, our warmth, our spirit, our food….”’ Symington said.

“Today, Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together they are dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and to ensuring every Nigerian is heard and taken into account and treated fairly,” he added.

Citing some of the difficulties the US faced in order to preserve its unity, the envoy credited the success of the United States as a united country to the resilience and commitment of its citizens and leaders, adding that Nigeria was capable of achieving the same feat if united.

Responding, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama who was represented by the Director, American and Carribean Division in the ministry, Amb. Vivian Okeke, appreciated the United States’ support to Nigeria in the implementation of policies and programmes that have impacted positively on Nigerians.

He also expressed confidence that the long existing bilateral relations between the two nations would be sustained.

The anniversary celebration was witnessed by current and former government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, political, business and traditional leaders among others.