:Calls for unity of all Federating Units to curb insecurity issues in Nigeria
The Executive Governor of Ondo State while addressing attendees at the second term inauguration lecture held on Tuesday 23rd February, 2021 at the International Centre for Culture and Events,(The Dome) Akure has reiterated the drive of his led administration to consolidate on its achievements within the last four years in the state by putting in place more legacies projects across the 18 local government areas of the State.
According to him, the people of Ondo State have expressed their confidence in his led administration by giving their mandate, thus the onus rest on his administration to ensure that the resources of the state are well harnessed for even and growth and development.
He also appreciated the Guest Speaker, Dr. Akinwumi A Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group for a well delivered lecture, in his words, “The day has indeed, provided yet another path for national self-reassessment by the vintage Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.
We salute you. Like many others here and even beyond, I am particularly not surprised by your very brilliant and scholarly submissions and delivery that are laced with passion for a New Nigeria. “
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina in his lecture titled,” Towards A New Nigeria; From Federal Fatherism to a Commonwealth” advocated for the need for a greater economic and fiscal autonomy for the States and a true practice of a federal system of government.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN in his address lamented the case of the fading National Consciousness in the Nation as he stated that Nigerians are more inclined to ethnic nationalism.
In his words, “We have resorted to clannish satisfaction in place of nation building. We are gradually and unconsciously replacing national patriotism with sectional activism. No one, I repeat, no one should be blamed. Our very faulty and twisted Federalism is responsible”
Addressing the challenge of insecurity which has marred the peaceful nature of the State and Nation in general stated that his led government will not continue to fold its hands while unscrupulous agents continue to wreck havoc in the State.
He stated, “What we have set out to do in the South Western States is not targeted at any ethnic nationality or business. But we are against criminality and we shall fight criminality with every legal means. It is in the interest of our collective wellbeing.”
The Governor pleaded for the support of all to ensure that the State and Nation at large is made safe for all to peacefully coexist and function together as one unit.
In his words,” All we require is the support and understanding of all Federating Units, including the Federal Government. The simple truth is that we have lived in self-denial amid an excruciating pain that is almost cancerous now.”
“Notwithstanding our challenges today, my firm belief in the Nigerian Project is strengthened by my own fact of a true Nigerian.”
Amudipe Marcus
Strategic Communications
