Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on Nigerian leaders to judiciously use the country’s abundant resources to develop the nation.
Speaking at the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja’s 40th anniversary celebration in Abuja, yesterday, he emphasised that Nigeria had all it needed to thrive.
Obasanjo echoed the sentiments of Methodist Prelate Dr. Oliver Aba’s message, emphasising the importance of appreciating God’s blessings.
“As God created other nations, endowing them with resources, He similarly blessed Nigeria with numerous resources for growth. Just as Egypt has the River Nile, Nigeria has the Rivers Niger and Benue, plus crude oil, fertile soil, and other natural resources.
“I firmly believe God didn’t create Nigeria to struggle. He has given us everything we need; it’s our duty to appreciate Him, especially since many countries lack what Nigeria has.
Obasanjo urged leaders, clergy, and citizens to pray for the country’s healing, acknowledging that Nigeria’s current situation isn’t God’s fault.
“We’ve squandered God’s gifts, but if we humble ourselves and seek Him, He will heal our land.”
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Mr. Nyesom Wike, commended the Methodist Church Nigeria for its commitment to social justice, education, and humanitarian outreach.
In his goodwill message, Tinubu praised Methodist Church Nigeria for its pioneering role and impactful vision.
“I celebrate the 40th anniversary of Abuja Archdiocese, a testament to the church’s enduring spirit of faith, community, and service in Abuja and 183 years in Nigeria. The Methodist Church has significantly contributed to our nation’s development through social justice, education, and humanitarian efforts, transforming lives nationwide.”
Tinubu commended the church’s peace and unity promotion, urging continued dedication.
“As leaders, we acknowledge our responsibilities and commitment to overcoming obstacles. I call upon you to persist in your compassionate mission, as united efforts are crucial to addressing our national challenges.”
In his message, “Our appreciation and gratitude to God,” Methodist Church Prelate, Dr. Oliver Aba, emphasised the importance of appreciating God amidst challenges.
Citing Luke 17:15-17, he referenced the 10 lepers healed by Jesus, with only one returning to thank God.
Aba noted Nigeria’s challenges required divine intervention, urging calmness and faith. “Everyone has a reason to seek God. Nigeria, calm down; there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We have a promised land to look forward to.”
The service honored notable figures with the Knights of John Wesley award, including Obasanjo, Gowon, Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, Goodluck Jonathan, George Akume, and Godswill Akpabio. Other awardees included David Mark, Wale Edun, Oluwatoyin, and others.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer, Charismatic Renewal Ministries (CRM), Dr Cosmas Ilechukwu, has advised President Tinubu to urgently reconstitute his economic team with a view to tackling the current hardship.
Ilechukwu, convener of ‘The Change We Need Nigeria Initiative (TCWNNI), also urged the president to ensure that the fresh professional economists are given free hand to brainstorm on finding solutions to the current economic crisis.
He stressed the reconstituted economic team and government agencies should be allowed to carry out their mandates without political interference.
“My advice to the government is that let the president constitute an economic team of professional economists and give them free hand to brainstorm on finding the solution to the Nigerian economic problem. Whatever they bring up as their way out, let the government be courageous to adopt it hook line and sinker without any political connotations and go out of their way to implement that. I believe that we have brains in this country who can think out and come up with solutions that will deliver us from our doldrums.
“But the only issue is that we always colour everything with politics and ethnicity.
“This time around, we have suffered enough that we will insist on having a purely professional team of economists who will show us the way out,” he said.