Nigeria’s problems, stepping stones to great future – Osinbajo

VICE PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has said the challenges currently facing the country are not insurmountable, adding that such are stepping stones to a greater future.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, ‘Laolu Akande, titled, ‘When you serve the people, you honour God, says Osinbajo”, said the VP spoke in Owerri at a special interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of the administration of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

The Vice President, who delivered the felicitations of President Buhari to the Imo State governor and the people, also observed that faithful service to the people in public office is a way of honouring God who gave the opportunity in the first place to leaders. 

“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,” Akande quoted Osinbajo to have said.

Though Osinbajo acknowledged some of the strides so far recorded under Governor Uzodinma, the VP urged  him to stay focused on delivering quality leadership in service to the people of Imo State.He also stressed that the governor should ensure that the   well-being of the people remains a cardinal point for his administration.

He said,  “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.” 

Charging the Governor,  Osinbajo noted that, “this is a State with a population of close to five million people. Since this state was created in 1976, there have only been 16 governors and you, Gov. Hope Uzodinma, are one of them.  Since 1999, only six elected governors and you are one of them.  

“Some may say that you are here because you are the smartest, I am sure you know that being the smartest doesn’t mean you will get here.”

 The VP, who waxed biblical,  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.”

 He added, “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. 

“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.”

Osinbajo then wished Gov. Uzodinma administration good success in piloting the affairs of the State in the years to come.