Obasanjo, Amaechi Raise Concerns Over National Challenges
By Wisdom Tide
September 18, 2024
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, have voiced their concerns about the current state of the nation, emphasizing the need for sustainable developmental policies and a conducive environment for economic growth. Both statesmen were Special Guest Speakers at the exaugural lecture and book launch of Dayo Oketola, the immediate past Editor of The PUNCH, held at MUSON Center in Onikan, Lagos.
Obasanjo Advocates for Enabling Environment
In his address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo stressed that addressing Nigeria's economic and security challenges requires a deliberate effort to create an enabling environment where businesses and innovations can thrive. According to him, such an environment would attract the necessary investment to stimulate economic growth and stability.
“The money we need to develop every sector of the economy is available, but it will only come if we create a conducive environment for it to flow in,” Obasanjo said. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could still return to the path of prosperity if its leaders display the necessary character, knowledge, and commitment to nation-building.
Obasanjo reflected on the nation's past achievements, asserting that the policies and strategies employed during better economic times are still relevant today. “What Nigeria did in the good days, when things were going well, can still be done today if we are honest with ourselves and willing to work together for the common good,” he stated.
He further prayed for Nigeria to become a land of abundance, security, and prosperity. “May Nigeria be a land flowing with milk and honey, not one plagued by insecurity and lack of opportunity, but a place where everyone can find enough for themselves and their families,” Obasanjo concluded.
Amaechi Laments Rising Impunity
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed his concerns about the rising impunity and deteriorating governance standards under the current administration. Drawing a parallel between the current situation and the military regime, Amaechi questioned whether the country has made any meaningful progress.
Amaechi shared an anecdote from the event where he overheard two journalists referring to each other as “colleagues from the trenches,” a term reminiscent of the military era. He used this as a point of reflection, asking whether the conditions under the Bola Tinubu-led administration were actually worse than those experienced during military rule.
His remarks underscored a growing concern about governance, transparency, and accountability, suggesting that the current administration is failing to meet the expectations of many Nigerians. Amaechi's critical perspective echoed sentiments of frustration with the country's political trajectory, particularly in light of worsening economic and security conditions.
Oketola’s Contribution to Journalism
The event also celebrated the career of Dayo Oketola, who launched his new book, The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens, as part of his exaugural lecture. Oketola, a respected journalist with nearly 20 years of experience, reflected on his journey and contributions to journalism in Nigeria.
Oketola’s book provides a comprehensive examination of Nigeria's information and communications technology (ICT) sector through the lens of a journalist. It explores the evolution of ICT in the country and its impact on various sectors, making a valuable contribution to the understanding of Nigeria's digital transformation.
The event was attended by prominent figures in journalism, politics, and academia, all of whom recognized Oketola’s work as a significant addition to the growing body of knowledge on Nigeria's development.
Conclusion
The concerns raised by Obasanjo and Amaechi highlight the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s governance and economic strategies. Their calls for the creation of a conducive business environment and the restoration of accountability resonate with the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians. Meanwhile, Dayo Oketola's contributions to journalism, particularly through his new book, underscore the role of the media in driving national development.
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