The former Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, says the hardship Nigerians are experiencing at this time is a “growth pain”.
Nwoye said this to newsmen in Enugu on Monday while fielding questions on why Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s 64 Independence Anniversary.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, as a public holiday for Independence Day to allow Nigerians to pray and fast to seek help from the Almighty for the nation’s fortune.
Nwoye noted that he was optimistic that Nigeria and Nigerians would survive the current socioeconomic challenges facing the country right now.
According to him, I have hope that we as a nation will come out stronger than we were as soon as the effects of the programmes being executed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu come into life.
“The hardship we are experiencing at this time is a growth pain.
“Other great nations in modern history passed through similar experiences before attaining the greatness they are enjoying today.
“So, we must keep hope alive as we celebrate Nigeria at 64,” he said.
On the celebration proper, the APC chieftain noted that “absolutely, we have many reasons to celebrate our nation at 64 years.”
Nwoye said that the country is vastly blessed with so many human and material resources.
“Everywhere we go on planet earth, we have people of Nigerian descent excelling in different works of life.
“In medicine, science and technology, we have Nigerians making us proud worldwide.
“In nursing and other allied health service areas, we have Nigerians taking the lead globally.
“In education and Information technology we are on top of the game,” he said.
The former chairman noted that politically, Nigeria had become the beacon of hope for Africa.
“For over 25 years, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democracy. We are the largest democracy in Africa, and among the largest in the entire universe,” he said.
Nwoye also prayed for God’s protection, wisdom and guidance on the nation’s leaders as well as God’s blessings and socioeconomic progress on the Federal Republic.