Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said on Sunday that Nigerians can surmount their challenges, urging the people and leaders to remain undaunted and focused in the work to develop the nation.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this at the first-anniversary celebration of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the state capital.
“So, I say to you, people of Imo State 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.” Prof. Osinbajo said.
Advising Governor Uzodinma on the provision of good governance, the Vice President identified three forms of opposition that the government must face.
“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.” The Vice President advised.
UPDATE ON ONE YEAR OF SHARED PROSPERITY IN IMO
The Vice President, Professor yemi Osibanjo makes his address
#IMPACTOVERACCOLADES#HOPENEWANDELECTRONICMEDIACENTER pic.twitter.com/A8imrTjeKa— Imo State Government (@GovtOfImoState) March 14, 2021
Referring to the bible in the book of Numbers 13, Osinbajo reminded the governor of the story of the spies that Moses sent to spy out the promised land which was then occupied by giants and enemies.
He said the majority of the spies said that they could not take the land, but few of them saw it differently and encouraged their people to take over the land.
Honouring God
The Vice President said people who occupy public offices should serve the people faithfully as a way of giving honour to God.
“So how can you or we in public office honour God? By serving the people faithfully. Serving the people is honouring God who gave you the opportunity.” He said.
Prof. Osinbajo said that Uzodinma has started well as Governor of Imo State, and encouraged him to remain on track.
“Morning shows the day, and you have started well. I am aware that over the past year, your administration has invested extensively in the 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 emergence of the use of technology and an innovation economy in this state.
“I understand that these are only a few of the initiatives that this administration is undertaking.
“I am told that this year’s budget has been tagged a ‘budget of wealth creation.’ This theme is apt because we recognize that our major challenge as a nation is that of creating enough wealth and opportunities to meet the expectations of our fast-growing population.
“The theme also gives an insight into your focus and orientation. Very well done.” Prof. Osinbajo said,
President of Nigeria’s Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who was also at the event, said that the willingness of the people to face their challenges makes the difference in the path of any nation to achieving greatness.
“We have some issues today; we have some security challenges; no country develops without facing challenges.
“But what makes the difference is the willingness, the capacity to fight your challenges and we can do this together and make Nigeria a safer place, a better place and provide the growth for all people of Nigeria to have a better life,” Lawan said.
In his address, Governor Uzodinma reeled out the work that his administration has done in the past year, including 46 road projects, rural electrification and tackling erosion problems.
“Another area we have made a difference in is by remaining accountable to the people. I know that I cannot govern without the full support of the Imo people. I’ve created many channels through which we can interface with the people.
“That is what informed the quarterly stakeholders’ forum to update our people on the policy directions of my administration.” Governor Uzodinma.
The Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Anthony Obinna, who delivered the homily at the service, admonished Nigerian leaders to embrace the light that Jesus Christ gives to his followers instead of taking to darkness.
He reminded Uzodinma that what his administration has achieved in the past one year was only possible through the grace of God.
The weeklong programme of activities for the governor’s first anniversary continues on Monday with the inauguration of some of the projects executed by the administration.
Zainab Sa’id
