By Wuraola OyedokunÂ
A former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Labaran Maku, and the Chairman of Nigerian Port Authority {NPA}, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, have urged Nigerian students not to despair but turn the current challenges into opportunities through hard work and focus,saying Nigeria can overtake China and Europe.
The journalists turned-former ministers said with Nigerian students providing solutions to the myriad of challenges of the country, they would change the story of Africa.
They stated these during the valedictory service and dedication of Oba David Opeyemi Adeyeye Hall of Crown Heights College, Arulogun Road, Ojoo area, Ibadan.
Maku, who was the guest speaker, spoke on the theme: “The Great Future, Do Not be Afraid, Only Believe”, said ; ”It is better to engage the future than addressing political rallies”.
The former information minister, who said there were many depressing stories about the country, however charged students to be ready to solve the problems, adding that there was still greatness in the country.
Maku said: ”Even adults are despairing about the country. There is a feeling of discouragement in the country. As black people, the situation should worry us. This is not the place we are supposed to be. You belong to a great country. I see the greatness in Nigeria. There is something here that you cannot find in the world. No country in Africa has the kind of potential we have; except maybe the Egyptian empire. By account of history, Nigeria has survived the booby trap because of God factors.
”No condition is permanent. Nations are social living organisms. There are no reasons for depressing stories. You end up as a victim if you look at challenges as challenges. Challenges are opportunities for greatness. All great people you read in history emerged during great challenges , because they lived at a difficult time. I want to tell you that in all these countries , the future is bright. You have a bright future, don’t concentrate on negative things.
”We can still overtake China and Europe. In 1978, China was not reckoned with in the world. One person sat down to engender the vision that made China number two in the world. Some years back, Indians came here to work. But now India has already gone to the moon. It is possible to conquer the world. While others are lamenting, you are providing solutions. Don’t discount yourselves. Nigerian youths are running to the US and Europe, Chinese and Indians are running to Nigeria. They said there is nowhere in Europe one can create wealth as quickly as in Nigeria”.
Maku said education alone cannot take the students anywhere, saying: ”You must have sound character, work hard, and your generation will change the story of Africa”.
On his part, Senator Adeyeye, who was the special guest of honour, urged the students to remain focused.
The NPA chairman said: “You need to remain focused to be relevant. Do your best and you will be successful in life; focus not on the degree alone but add self-development to it”.
The proprietor of Crown Heights College, Prince Gbadebo Adeyeye, congratulated students for rounding off their secondary education and thanked their parents and guardians for investing in their future.
END