Troubled Nigeria Will Surmount Her Current Challenges, Says Osinbajo

…Problems, Stepping Stones To Great Future 

From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s Vice President, on Sunday assured Nigerians that the country will surmount the current challenges confronting it from all sides.

Osinbajo gave the assurance during the inter-denominational Church service, held in Owerri as part of activities marking Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma’s one year in office.

Osinbajo said that the Federal Government had put in place measures to tackle Nigeria’s challenges head on, adding that the problems are stepping stones to Nigeria’s greatness.

He said: “Let me say that despite the challenges our Nation faces, by the grace of God, we, the Nigerian people, are more than able to surmount them. So I say to you, people of Imo and the great people of Nigeria; yes, we have work to do, yes we have much to repair, but we are undaunted. The problems we see today are the stepping stones to our great future. We are, by the grace of God, mightier than our challenges.

“There are at least three possible forms of opposition to government. One is political opposition, the second is time, and the third is the leader himself – i.e. when the leader is discouraged or distracted. But the most critical factor is you, the leader. How you deal with time and political opposition will determine success or failure. Don’t look back. Keep focused. Stay on track,” he said.

He further charged Gov. Uzodinma to honour God in his governance and continue to serve the good people of Imo State.

Osinbajo commended Uzodinma’s administration for investing in solid infrastructure, which include construction of up to 46 roads.

His statement reads, “Let me say to Imo people and Nigerians that the Nation is passing through challenges, but in the midst of these challenges, we have done a lot, and we are mightier than our problems.

“You are here as governor of Imo by the special grace of God. God says he honours those who honour him. You can honour God by serving your people honestly.

“Your administration has invested heavily in solid infrastructure, which include construction of up to 46 roads.

“I have been told that this year’s budget of Imo state is tagged; `Budget of Wealth Creation’, and that is apt, with what we are seeing, you have planned to take Imo to greater heights,” he said.

The Vice President who quoted from the Holy Book noted that, “Time and chance happens to them all. And the Almighty God controls Time and chance. So you are here today by the Grace of God. And so, my brother, life is a loan and public office is a loan of even shorter tenor.”

According to him, “Morning shows the day, and you have started well. I am aware that over the past year, your administration has invested extensively in construction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, the rehabilitation of educational and health institutions, as well as markets.

“The administration is currently undertaking a number of measures aimed at restoring power supply to rural communities and increasing power supply to urban areas. I know that you have also issued an executive order reducing the right of way charges for telecoms companies laying broadband infrastructure – which bodes well for the use of technology and emergence of an innovation economy in this state.

On his part, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, His Grace, Anthony Obinna, however, said that the solution to Nigeria’s problems could only be divine.

Obinna advised politicians to look up to God for guidance rather than focus on avenging perceived wrongs.

“Let us prefer light over darkness. The preference for vengeance is making us lose direction in this country,” he said.

Also, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, described Uzodinma as a reliable and trustworthy leader, adding that the governor had the capacity to develop the state.

“I served with Uzodinma at the Senate, and he is very reliable, and someone you can trust. He is one you cannot find wanting in any given assignment.

“When Uzodinma became governor, I knew Imo would be taken to the next level because of his capacity to deliver,” Lawan said.

In an address, Uzodinma thanked everyone for their support and pledged continued service delivery without fear or favour.

“The days of lawlessness are over and we have restored democracy. We have been able to clean up the fraud in the civil service and more positive strides are in the pipeline.

“I call on Imo people to keep faith with this administration and watch us fulfil our mantra of rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery,” the governor said.

Dignitaries present at the occasion are- Deputy Senate President, Omo Agege and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris.

Governors of Lagos, Babatunde Sanwolu; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Ebonyi, Dave Umahi and Yobe, Mai Mala Buni were all in attendance.

Others include former Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim, former Abia governor Sen. Theodore Orji and former Borno governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, serving and former lawmakers, as well as wife of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience.