IT SHALL BE A GREAT YEAR FOR NIGERIA, IMO- IKEDI OHAKIM
The immediate past Governor of Imo State and Principal Convener of the Igbo Conversational Group, a collegiate association of the Igbo intelligentsia brought together to discuss the Igbo agenda and what strategies are best to be adopted to ensure that the Igbo get the best possible deal in a one, united and equitable Nigeria, has lashed out those wishing Nigeria ill in the new year, saying that it will be a good year for all Nigerians of goodwill.
The former Governor believes that no matter who is presently in the steering wheel at any level in the Nigerian State, all that Nigerians owe them is prayers and constant support to ensure they bequeath the desired nation we all wish for.
Continuing, the eminent industrialist and egg head consultant noted that while it is true that the nation is facing varied economic challenges as a result of the unprecedented fall in global oil prices and the serious shortfall in the demand for Nigeria's crude oil, Nigeria will eventually be the better for it, as the situation will force our economic planners to be more determined in their efforts to diversify the economy, whereby creating more jobs for our teeming youths and also raising our IGR, from other sources outside oil.
He charged all Nigerians and Imolites especially to enter the new year with hope and a renewed commitment to patriotism as according to him "Nation building cannot be left in the hands of political leaders alone, everybody must join hands to make Nigeria work."
In an exclusive telephone chat I had with him, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim was particularly concerned about the fate of Nigerian youths and prayed that more Nigerian youths will imbibe the spirit of creative entrepreneurship, instead of the current trend, where most of our youths have turned to beggars, waiting on the table of politicians for crumbs as means of survival. He ended the call with the following words in vernacular:
"FCC, Nigeria di kwa unu na aka, otu unu si choo ya ka odi." Meaning, FCC, Nigeria is in the hands of the youths, whatever or however you people want it, is the way it will be."