Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says current security challenges in Nigeria won’t consume the country.
Obasanjo said inspite of the current crisis situation, there was light at the end of the tunnel.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde also backed Obasanjo in declaring that Nigeria would overcome the current security challenges.
They all spoke at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention, held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
During the event, a valedictory and commendation service was also held in honour of the retiring President of Baptist Convention, Nigeria and the President, Christians Association of Nigeria, Dr. (Reverend) Samson Ayokunle.
Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North), among others.
Obasanjo, in his address, said he remained an “incurable optimist” about a better Nigeria, inspite of the worsening security challenges.
He said, “When I was coming here, I didn’t intend to make a speech. And you will see that unlike my two brothers (referring to Governors Abiodun and Makinde) I don’t have anything to read.
“If you have brothers like this, do you have anything to fear? So, I told them to make a speech and I have come to concur. So, I concur.
“But having concurred, if don’t say more than that, you will leave here and say ‘Obasanjo is I concur.’
“Is that good enough? My two brothers talked about the situation we are in [insecurity].
“You know, I’m an incurable optimist about a number of things, but particularly about Nigeria.
“Epon agbo wa n fi ni, koni ja [the situation may be threatening, we won’t be consumed]. There will be light at the end of the tunnel).”
Obasanjo, who is a member of the Baptist Church, praised Ayokunle for offering a meritorious service as a leader in the church.
Governor Abiodun, on his part, said he might end up as a pastor at the end of his tenure.
He said, “I may end up on the pulpit after I have served as governor for eight years”.
He stated that the theme of the Convention, ‘Moving Forward: Finishing the race with Joy’, drew Nigerians’ attention of Nigerians and the entire humanity to the need to do things with the fear of God in their hearts.
Abiodun said if Nigerians followed the instructions of God in all they do, living would be much easier and the country would not find itself in the present precarious situation.
He, therefore, charged Nigerians not to lose hope, stressing that “all we need is the fear of God in conducting our affairs”.
Governor Makinde, on his part, hailed Ayokunle for his tenacity in carrying out the duties of his office, urging him to continue to lead prayers for Nigeria and the leaders.