In his Independence Day message sent to The PUNCH, Ositelu noted that the country’s abundant resources must be used judiciously for the good of all citizens.
He said, “I urge the government to give due priority to restructuring Nigeria, providing adequate security, building refineries, increasing power supply tremendously, provision of good road network, railways, waterways, massive youth employment, women empowerment, adequate minimum wage, improved education and better healthcare delivery.
“Above all, we need fiscal federalism for quick and sustainable development. Nigeria is a blessed country endowed with huge human and natural resources. All hands must therefore be on deck to harness these resources for the good of all so that Nigeria can occupy her rightful position in the comity of nations.”
The respected cleric also stated that though times were tough, the country had made some progress in its journey towards nationhood. He also implored citizens to thank God for ‘the grace to be alive’.
He added, “While it is true that the country is currently facing some socio-economic challenges, it behoves us to show gratitude to God for how far He has brought Nigeria as a country. While we are not where we should be, we have however made some progress in the last 24 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.”
Ositulu also stated that some of the clogs militating against the realisation of the country’s potential included corruption, insecurity, lack of good governance, nepotism, banditry, kidnapping, tribalism, and religious intolerance.
He maintained that the time had come for government at all levels, as well as citizens, to eschew those vices and have the fear of God to move the country forward.
