Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday noted that the security challenges in the country won’t consume Nigeria.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, also said there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
They spoke separately at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention, held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
A valedictory and commendation service was conducted for the retiring President of Baptist Convention, Nigeria and the President, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. (Reverend) Samson Ayokunle.
The invite was attended by other dignitaries including Senator Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North) among other dignitaries.
In his address, Obasanjo said he remained an “incurable optimist” about a better Nigeria, despite the escalating security challenges.
“When I was coming here, I didn’t intend to make a speech. And you will see that unlike my two brothers (referring to Governors Abiodun and Makinde) I don’t have anything to read.
“If you have brothers like this, do you have anything to fear? So, I told them to make a speech and I have come to concur. So, I concur.
“But having concurred, if don’t say more than that, you will leave here and say ‘Obasanjo is I concur.’
“But having concurred, if don’t say more than that, you will leave here and say ‘Obasanjo is I concur.’
“Is that good enough? My two brothers talked about the situation we are in [insecurity].
“You know, I’m an incurable optimist about a number of things, but particularly about Nigeria.
“Epon agbo wa n fi ni, koni ja [the situation may be threatening, we won’t be consumed]. There will be light at the end of the tunnel).”
Obasanjo, who is a member of the Baptist Church, commended Ayokunle for serving meritoriously in his capacity as a leader in the Baptist Church.