Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stresses the need for Nigerian leaders to effectively utilise the country’s abundant resources during the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja’s 40th anniversary.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that it is not God’s intention for Nigeria to struggle economically, emphasising that the nation is rich in natural resources.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja on Sunday, Obasanjo called upon Nigerian leaders to judiciously utilise the country’s resources for development.

Also read: Ohanaeze hails Obasanjo for condemning quit notice for Ndigbo in Lagos

During his address, Obasanjo echoed the sentiments of Methodist Prelate, Dr Oliver Aba, who highlighted the importance of recognising and appreciating God’s blessings.

“As God created other nations, endowing them with resources, He similarly blessed Nigeria with numerous resources for growth,” Obasanjo remarked.

He drew comparisons between Nigeria and Egypt, noting, “Just as Egypt has the River Nile, Nigeria has the Rivers Niger and Benue, plus crude oil, fertile soil, and other natural resources.”

Obasanjo firmly believes that God did not create Nigeria to experience hardship. He stressed, “He has given us everything we need; it’s our duty to appreciate Him, especially since many countries lack what Nigeria has.

” The former president urged leaders, clergy, and citizens alike to pray for the healing of the nation, acknowledging that the current challenges facing Nigeria are not a reflection of God’s will. He stated, “We’ve squandered God’s gifts, but if we humble ourselves and seek Him, He will heal our land.”

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, praised the Methodist Church Nigeria for its commitment to social justice, education, and humanitarian outreach.

In his goodwill message, Tinubu celebrated the church’s 40 years of service in Abuja and 183 years in Nigeria, recognising its significant contributions to national development.

The president noted, “The Methodist Church has significantly contributed to our nation’s development through social justice, education, and humanitarian efforts, transforming lives nationwide.”

He called on leaders to fulfil their responsibilities and to continue supporting the church’s mission to address national challenges.

In his message titled “Our Appreciation and Gratitude to God,” Methodist Church Prelate Dr Oliver Aba emphasised the necessity of thanking God amidst trials.

He cited the story of the 10 lepers healed by Jesus, reminding the congregation of the importance of gratitude. Aba reassured Nigerians that despite current difficulties, there is hope, urging calmness and faith: “Nigeria, calm down; there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We have a promised land to look forward to.”

The event also saw the recognition of notable figures with the Knights of John Wesley award, including Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and current President Tinubu, along with other distinguished individuals.

Last Saturday’s South West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos was a welcome development for a rediscovery of the ruling party and her leadership in the political region, writes Shola Oyeyipo.

A lot currently rests on the shoulders of the South West geo-political zone, and her leadership is not oblivious of this fact.

Also read: APC cautions Yiaga Africa over Edo gubernatorial election results

As a cosmopolitan region with some level of political sophistication, it is one part of the country that has always played a significant role in the nation’s rich political history.

Even more instructive at this time in the life of the nation, is that it is the zone, where the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu, comes from. It is, therefore, a delicate balance – managing her political relevance as well as her irrevocable support for one of her own – the President of Nigeria.

It was against this backdrop that last weekend’s regional assembly by the All Progressives Congress (APC) members secured its place in the new thinking for a better region and nation.

Stomping the meeting hall with flashes of bright colours that typified regional unity and cohesion, the South-west might have set a new agenda in party politics and management.

Chairman of the regional assembly for APC and Lagos State Governor, Mr. BabajideSanwo-Olu seemed to understand the weight of the assignment on his hands and did not disappoint anyone either.

Incidentally, in his case, apart from coordinating activities of the region, he is also the governor of the president’s home state. This, though, makes his job interesting. It is certainly not an enviable one either.

But the Lagos governor seemed to be up to the task. The fact that he and his team could come up with an idea that suddenly birthed the somewhat reunion of the political leadership of the zone was not a mean feat.

Assembled in an expansive hall at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, were over 800 people. They ranged from local government administrators to state assembly members, their national assembly counterparts, governors, as well as all the former this and former that.

With evident nostalgia permeating the hall, typified by the near-endless banter from people, who had not seen one another in ages, and wrapped in many shades of beautiful colours, the gathering offered more than it was conceived for and indeed, worth the time of everyone.

“As a key part of the Nigerian State, the Southwest is blessed with immense potential to lead the country towards prosperity,” Sanwo-Olu stated as he began to welcome people to the gathering.

“I warmly welcome you to this significant gathering, where we come together as one family to explore ways to work more closely and effectively for the benefit of our people, our region, and our nation.

“Today presents an opportunity for us to share ideas and agree on strategies to take the Southwest to greater heights. We have abundant human and natural resources, exceptional creativity and intellectual strength, as well as a rich cultural heritage.

“These are the unique assets we can harness to move our region forward and give Nigeria a respected place in the global community,” he said.

According to him, “This meeting is not only an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a region but also to reignite hope and chart a course for a better Nigeria – one where poverty and lack are things of the past.

“As a people bound by common values of integrity and respect, we are in a unique position to change Nigeria’s fortunes. The Southwest has always been the heartbeat of this nation, recognised as the pacesetters in innovation and progress.”

To put this in context, he recalled that, “Our past leaders earned this pride of place through their visionary leadership. They built Africa’s first television station (WNTV), West Africa’s first skyscraper (Cocoa House), and Nigeria’s first stadium (Liberty Stadium), all through disciplined management and strategic investment in education and agriculture.

“They banished ignorance and poverty from our region, instilling values of integrity and respect, which gave rise to the ‘Omoluabi’ ethos – the hallmark of honesty and dignity that has shaped our identity.”

This was where it started to get interesting. The poser here: “So, where did we lose our way? At what point did farming become a job we looked down on? How did our land, once rich in opportunity, produce beggars despite its vast potential?

“How did our youth turn into street urchins, kidnappers, and fraudsters? The truth is, we have all fallen short. But today, we have the chance to address these failings, retrace our steps, and rebuild our values.”

Sanwo-Olu, without a doubt, gave an amazing speech that soon set the pace for serious deliberations on the future of the region. The discussions began very quickly.

However, in a full blaze, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. KayodeFayemi, finally set the stage on fire through his keynote address.

He did not allow the inspiration spurred by Sanwo-Olu to simmer down before riding on the moment.

Building on the foundation laid by the Lagos state governor, Fayemi noted that, “We in the South West wing of our party constitute an important pillar of the APC. I warmly salute and commend the decision to convene this zonal assembly of our party leaders and faithful for various reasons.”

As a foundation member, and one of the many actors, who worked to help create the APC out of a coalition of like-minded parties and actors united by a progressive and forward-looking commitment to national unity and transformation, Fayemi was proud of the zeal with which the cadres in the South West embraced the party’s agenda for change and renewal when it was announced to them.

After reeling off some of the successes of the party, since it came on stream in 2015, he also dwelt on some of the current challenges that have either obstructed the party or thwarted some of her noble plans and as well stymied some of the gains registered.

“Not least among these challenges is the security situation in the country, a problem we inherited and which has continued to be a source of immense worry for all Nigerians, and rightly so. Understandably, the security question remains a topmost priority for President Tinubu.

“Added to this are adverse domestic pressures and external shocks on the economy that have exacerbated the cost of living, and affected our quest to massively dent unemployment, especially as it affects the teeming population of young people.

“We are also confronted with the task of stabilising the exchange rate of our national currency even as concerted efforts are being made to erode the parallel market, increase the capital budget in our national expenditure profile, and meet our various international obligations.

“These are not problems that are easy to tackle, especially as the roots of many of them date back to the locust years of the PDP, and resolving them requires time, patience, and understanding.

“It is correct that as the ruling party, we must confront them frontally without forgetting that we also owe a duty to explain our remedial and reform measures with all the empathy and humility that we can muster,” he explained.

Proud of the road the APC had traveled since it came into existence, Fayemi said, “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels as a party or be complacent about anything. It is imperative that we openly and honestly acknowledge current challenges and develop a coherent and comprehensive plan that can enable us to confront them.

“This we must do by resolutely learning lessons of experience. We should also be ready to mobilise ourselves for the urgent and necessary task of rebuilding the hope of our compatriots both in Project Nigeria and in our ability as a party committed to leading the charge against underdevelopment, disunity, and insecurity.

“Without being defensive or unduly apologetic, we must dig deep to find that combination of humility, a sense of public service, an uncommon courage, and a tenacity of purpose to drive a shared national vision. These qualities served us so well in 2015 to enable us to write an important new chapter in our national electoral history. They can and will serve us well again if we re-commit to them.”

Impressed by the thrust and turn-out at the gathering, President Tinubu, who said his eyes were set on the future generations and not future elections, capped the discussions in a presidential fashion.

The president explained that the reforms being undertaken by his administration might have exposed the party to widespread criticisms, but assured the APC faithful that the “tough” decisions would finally set the country on the path towards prosperity.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the president acknowledged the solidarity being shown to his government in the difficult moments and stressed that his focus was not on the next election, but on improving the lives of Nigerians and to hand over a prosperous country to the next generation.

“We acknowledge that our decisions have been tough, but they needed to be taken. The gains are at the end of the tunnel. That time will come when we will all be happy and thank our government for taking those decisions.

“Right now, I am not thinking of the next election but about the next generation. This is why we are implementing reforms that are long overdue. This is the hallmark of a true leader.”

Tinubu promised to give serious deliberations to the issues raised at the forum and further pledged to make the party more united to achieve its programmes.

A former governor of Ogun State, Chief SegunOsoba, declared that the South West must support Tinubu’s administration unequivocally, no matter the price to be paid.

Osoba warned that no matter the ill-feelings anyone might have against the person of the president or his administration, he must be supported not only to run out his first term in office but also to secure a second term.

The veteran journalist disclosed that Tinubu was the first president from the progressive fold and, therefore, could not afford to fail.

“We cannot and should not allow anyone to derail our democracy under Tinubu,” he insisted, adding that no money was left in the national treasury for subsidy when Tinubu took office.

South West Zonal chairman of the APC, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, said the party stood with the president for his courage to address the malady in the country. He said the caucus meeting was a move to resolve intra party crises and disagreements tearing members apart.

On hispart, APC National Secretary, Senator AjibolaBasiru, said the caucus forum was sanctioned by the party national leadership to create a constant interface between elected members of the party and officials administering the affairs of the party.

He disclosed that similar meetings would be held in other regions in order to galvanise more support for APC and its government.

The idea was no doubt a good one and must be reviewed for sustainability. In fact, the next phase might be to start a similar gathering at the senatorial levels and gradually build up to the states before arriving at the regional level for an expanded and richer deliberation.

Much as the outing was generally adjudged successful by a majority of the people, who attended and those who observed from the outside, the ruling party must continue to speak the truth to itself and the government, away from the aspiration of seeking to hold on to power.

Unfortunately, for an idea that was well received across the South West and attended by all that matter in the region because of its originality and progressive intentions, Sanwo-Olu’s seemingly petty partners in the state assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon MudashiruObasa, boycotted the event. If this is not an obvious infantile disposition, what else could it be?

While the Lagos lawmakers allegedly claimed not to have received an invitation to the event, the state, on the other hand, was said to have record of the invitations extended to them with clarity of thoughts and agenda.

Expectedly, this is what usually happens when people undeserving of any offices at all find themselves in positions bigger than their dreams and intellectual credentials. They are unable to divorce politics from issues and real governance but quick to descend into the gutters at the slightest opportunity.

Also read: Former APC leader predicts Tinubu’s defeat in 2027 elections

It is only hoped that this maiden South West Assembly would not end up a one-off exercise but a sustainable initiative that would help the party and region grow her politics and leadership.

AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR BIODUN ABAYOMI OYEBANJI

Your Excellency,

We are concerned indigenes of Emure Ekiti representing all interest groups in the kingdom. We commend your Omoluabi portrait which has helped communicate why Ekiti State is Ile iyi, Ile eye. We equally appreciate your giant strides in all key sectors of the state, including education, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure. We are proud to have been part of your electoral success story justified by the number of votes from our town at the expense of our sons contesting with you then, at the election. We still voted for you massively at the poll. This shows how we cherish you Sir.

Mr. Governor Sir, we are constrained to openly write to you, following barricades around your office that have prevented physical engagement after several efforts. This letter is borne out of offhanded treatment of our deep-seated grievances by various established bodies in our dear State. The necessity for this is the neglect and exclusion of Emure Ekiti in the scheme of things, considering the volume of support we have shown to your government, your party and political family since 1999. All political positions were won by your party in 2022 and 2023 elections in our local government. Unfortunately, our community is now being treated with disrespect and dishonor despite its position in the state. Emure Ekiti kingdom is a local government with 10 wards and 43 sub-communities. Its traditional institutions is one of the 16 ancient institutions of the state that has existed for over three centuries.

PERSISTENT BLOWS TO OUR COMMUNITY THAT NEED URGENT INTERVENTION:

In recent times, we have observed the continuous throwing of blows to our dear land which has become worrisome. These misdemeanors include:

POOR ROAD NETWORK

Despite the ongoing 48 road projects in the state, none is sited in our kingdom and LGA. All the three major roads leading to the town are not motorable, making them flash points for criminal activities. Also, the present state of the Local Government headquarters (Emure-Ekiti) township roads is worrisome and nothing to write home about.

LOPSIDED RECRUITMENT EXERCISE

In all the recruitments carried out by your administration, Emure Ekiti indigenes were either not considered at all, short-changed or with the least number of appointees. This was never the case as recruitment was based on LGAs.

DISREGARD FOR TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN OUR LOCAL GOVT AREA

Obvious disregard of our traditional institutions as seen by your refusal to pay a condolence visit to our palace after the death of our revered Monarch-HRM, Oba Emmanuel Adebowale ADEBAYO, FCIA, one of the first-class obas in Ekiti by all standards which was brought to your notice. This is so pathetic and demeaning.

KIDNAPPING ACTIVITIES AT THE LOCAL GOVT AREA

Till date, the persistent kidnapping of the people of Emure Ekiti is at alarming rate without any serious effort by the government to put a stop to it. We were surprised that during the kidnapping incident involving some school children and Teachers, your Excellency did not visit the community as against your usual visits to other communities affected by similar acts. The reaction of the state leadership to the rise in insecurity within the community including the recent killing and raping of our families by hoodlums has not been given serious attention. We have been living in fear. On 29th day of January 2024, some pupils of Apostolic Faith School were kidnapped with the school’s Bus driver along Eporo Road while coming from school. The driver, Mr. Taiye Olugbaye, was later killed despite the collection of fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000.00) ransom by these criminals. Similarly, on the 13th day of July, 2024, Mrs. Atinuke Yewande Adanikin was also kidnapped at about 5pm near River Oyimo along Emure/Supare Road and later released after payment of five million naira (₦5,000,000.00) ransom. Also, on 31st August 2024, Oluwole Taiwo and Shile Ogunmolasuyi were killed while others were released after paying Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00) ransom. The insecurity situation in the community is taking its toll on farming activities as our farmers are abandoning their farms for the sake of their dear lives.

RECKLESS DISPOSALS OF EMURE EKITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES

The perceived sale of Emure Local Government property located at BM3, Irewolede Estate, Ado Ekiti by the local government Chairman to his political godfather and a crony of your administration, via his representatives has nearly thrown the community into pandemonium. Our plea to the Local government Chairman, Hon Oluwatosin ADEDAYO (a.k.a WACCO) for the reversal of the sale of the said structure in Irewolede Estate, Ado Ekiti was severely rebuffed. All true sons and daughters of Emure Ekiti feel affronted by the grandstanding, which we are sure Your Excellency will not condone. Unfortunately, the chairman added that anyone who wants to fight him over the property should know he is fighting the Governor. We are not fighting you but pleading for your intervention in recovering the House. His act of bullying is tolerated on the basis that we are one family and will not want acts that will discredit your administration. We have worked tirelessly with the security agencies within the town to avert protests and other acts that can breach public peace. Rumors being propagated within Emure populace that, the Chairman is selling those properties to a crony of your administration or giving them out as compensation to him and other supporters in your government which we believe to be false and handwork of your enemies. Mr. Governor Sir, a stich in time saves nine. We are at sea at the recent directive that all immovable assets in our LGAs be compiled for disposal, which some elements within the community have alleged, is another move to compensate and empower your associates and friends. This similar compilation was done in 2023 and early 2024 where about 11 immovable assets were alleged to have been disposed of, including the Duplex in Irewolede Estate, Ado Ekiti.

EKITI SOUTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

The attitude of our National Assembly members (Upper and Lower Chambers) to the community is appalling. We have compared their actions and commitments to other communities within the senatorial district and federal constituencies and we observed with dismay that we are like filthy rags to these NASS members. This is inhuman and unjust despite our votes in 2022 and 2023 for them. Some of these communities they pay attention to are not up to a ward in Emure kingdom.

APPOINTMENTS INTO POLITICAL POSITIONS AND STATE PUBLIC SERVICE

We observed that out of over two Hundred and Fifty (250) political appointments given out so far in this administration, only four (4) came to our Local Government. In the last four years, no single indigene of the Local Government has been appointed as a permanent Secretary nor Executive Secretary despite having numerous qualified sons and daughters in the Ekiti State Civil Service. We are aware that our Local Government council is not in short supply of qualified candidates for these positions and indeed, ardent supporters of your administration that can be given political appointments are readily available. But surprisingly, your administration seems to be following the trend of old and further relegated the local government with Ten(10) Political Wards in the scheme of things in the state.

OUR PRAYERS

Sir, in the interest of love, equity, justice and fair play, and especially granting your widely acknowledged reputation for progress, probity and transparency, we appeal to Your Excellency to consider our positions as itemized above and help address our concerns and pleas with utmost urgency and zeal in repositioning our dear local government and Ekiti State at large for the benefits of all and sundry.

OUR REQUESTS THAT NEED URGENT ATTENTION ARE:

The need for immediate review of the security architecture in all border towns of Ekiti State, including Emure Ekiti. In Emure, we are in dire need of additional police division in Eporo. Also, the establishment of police or military checkpoints in all the roads connecting our community to other states would further ensure adequate security of lives and properties. Also, the existing police division in the town is in poor state with no vehicles to conduct their operations. The available vehicle was last refurbished by some concerned indigenes of the town.

Our roads need urgent rehabilitation while palliative measures can be emplaced to allow quick drive through the established black spots on our routes. There is need for special security operation in our forest and farm settlements to flush out evil elements, thereafter making the forests suitable for agricultural purposes.

The need to increase the number of employed Agro-Marshals with provision of amenities and equipment that will help fulfill their responsibilities. The community presently has seven (7) indigenes employed as Agro-Marshals with complaints of inadequate equipment required to conduct their activities. This also applies to the LGA branch of the Amotekun corps in a helpless situation.

We demand a condolence visit to the community on recent happenings in the town especially on the demise of our Royal Father who has joined his ancestors out of respect and the love for the town.

The immediate reversal of the sale of our Local government building located in Irewole Estate, Ado Ekiti is of importance to the community at large. If need be, we are ready to refund the N8.5 million naira sales proceeds of the said property to the buyer and immediately refurbish the property for community use in the interest of justice, Equity and fair play.

God bless you Sir, Amen.

From Emure Ekiti’s sons and daughters both home and abroad.