Former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes that the worsening insecurity, as typified by the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry across the country, would, however, not consume the nation.
He believed that there would be light at the end of the tunnel despite the killings and abductions.
The former president said this during a valedictory and commendation service for the retiring President of Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Samson Ayokunle.
Obasanjo, who considered himself as an ‘incurable optimist’, also believed that a better Nigeria would emerge despite the escalating security challenges in the country.
The Baptist Church held its 108th session at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The service was attended by other dignitaries, including Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde; and Sen. Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North), among others.
Former President Obasanjo, who is a member of the Baptist Church, added that Nigeria would surmount all the current problems.
In the words of Obasanjo, “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.
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“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 I 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 dire but we won’t be consumed). There will be light at the end of the tunnel,” Obasanjo said.