As Nigerians celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the country, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has urged Nigerians to show patience, understanding, and support as the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu take root.
Ododo made the appeal on Tuesday in his Independence Anniversary message to the people of the state.
He admitted that the current pains are real, but stressed that they are temporary.
He said the : “removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of the naira exchange rates are just two of these difficult but necessary reforms.
“No generation of leaders before him has squared off against these national challenges with such resolve.”
The governor further explained that President Tinubu did not undertake these reforms from a “desire to see Nigerians suffer, but by a conviction that beyond these rocky terrains lies a better place of shared prosperity.
“Moreover, his efforts to cushion the impact of these reforms on Nigerians as much as possible bear witness to his good intentions.
“As a sitting Governor, I can testify firsthand to the President’s efforts in this regard.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria under him has increased monetary allocations to states like ours – by a lot, enabling us to do more for our people.
“He has introduced a suite of palliatives that is arguably the largest our nation has ever mobilised – to ease the burden on citizens.
“The expanded social safety net programme is providing critical support to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
“At the same time he has pioneered novel programmes to support citizens in their endeavours – ranging from education loans and scholarships, civil service wage increases to expanded cash grant initiatives and venture capital/entrepreneurial support.
“In the long term, these bold decisions will lift our nation’s socioeconomic indices and improve the quality of life for all citizens,” he said.
He reminded Nigerians of the words of our national motto – ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’, saying it ” encapsulate our ideals as one nation and we must re-commit ourselves to them in order to stand strong even in challenging times.”
Ododo, also celebrated the country’s national heroes from every corner of country who fought courageously for our freedom.
“Their sacrifices remind us that our liberty was hard-earned, and we must cherish and safeguard it.
“We also commend all leaders – both civilian and military – who have governed Nigeria, and those who have led us in our dear State too, since independence.
“Though none of them were perfect, each contributed to keeping Nigeria and Kogi State united and moving forward.
“Our journey as a nation has not been without challenges.
“We are a country of great diversity – territories, tribes, and religions. Yet, despite this complex montage, we have maintained steady movement towards greatness.
“Nigeria has endured great trials, including a most regrettable civil war, but we have also risen to every occasion, growing stronger with each step forward.
“In the last 64 years, Nigeria has made significant strides at home and within the comity of nations.
“We are, without question, a nation destined for greatness.
“At this critical juncture in our history, we are glad to have the leadership of our current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to look up to.
“Without a doubt, President Tinubu is steering Nigeria in the right direction, ushering in a national Renaissance, especially in the ways and means by which our economy is managed.
“His Excellency’s administration has shown unprecedented courage in addressing long-standing structural anomalies which previous governments, fearful of the inevitable fallout, carefully avoided.
“As we celebrate this Independence Day, 2024 we must remind ourselves of the words of our national motto – ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’. They encapsulate our ideals as one nation and we must re-commit ourselves to them in order to stand strong even in challenging times.
Ododo in his speech singles out the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the difficult reforms undertaken by him to put the state on the right footing while in office.
“I confirm that the difficult reforms undertaken by my eminent predecessor, His Excellency, former Governor Yahaya Bello, during his 8 years in Office, and the systems he set up, put us on a strong footing for the accelerated progress we are seeing now.
‘He fought battles and planted seeds while governing this state that are only just now bearing fruit.
“We cannot commend and appreciate him enough,” Ododo said. (vitalnwwsngr.com)
