The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged for urgent moves to address Nigeria’s fundamental defects so that the country is not forced into a reset.
The governor also hailed the sacrifice and bravery of Nigerian fallen heroes, saluting their contributions to the peace and unity of the country.
Obaseki who spoke during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, reiterated the need to urgently redesign and restructure the country to address its defects and place the country on the path of growth and prosperity.
He said, “We thank God for another year and opportunity to remember those people who have sacrificed their lives for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“The people we are honoring today have paid the supreme price with their lives and it’s important not to forget their efforts. That is why this event is important and we should be sober about it.”
On the need to restructure the country, the governor said, “We all know that things are not going well in the Country today and most Nigerians are concerned and worried because the economic situation has created a State of hopelessness for the citizens.
“This is an opportunity to reflect on the situation and crisis that resulted in the loss of those we are remembering today. It’s the right time as Nigerians to sit back and think very deeply about what is going on in the Country today so that we do not repeat some of the mistakes in the past that have led us to where we are today.
“It’s an opportunity for political leaders to reflect deeply, particularly given what is happening around us in West Africa. It’s time to stop pretending and deceiving ourselves and know that we must restructure Nigeria. Political leaders of Nigeria understand that it’s time to redesign this Country and failure to do so may lead to crisis; my prayer is that it doesn’t happen.”
Obaseki added, “We can’t continue this way as it’s time to release the energy of the young people in this nation, put more resources on the table and fund security services better so that we don’t lead ourselves into another crisis.
“As we remember the fallen heroes of the nation, we must ensure we put enough pressure on the political system to be more sensitive to what is going on in the Country and note that the most important assignment of the Government of Nigeria today is to redesign and restructure Nigeria as the fundamental defects need to be addressed in order for it not to be forced on us.”
The governor also inspected the warehouse for artefacts at the premises of the National Museum at Kings Square in Benin City, venue for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which is still under construction.
Other guests at the occasion include Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Oredo Local Government Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, serving Commissioners, traditional and religious leaders, and other top government functionaries, amongst others.
