Yakubu Dogara, speaker, House of Representatives on Sunday assured Nigerians that the present economic crisis facing Nigeria was surmountable.
Dogara, who stated this at the Citizens Church, Abuja, during the dedication service of Olusegun Odebunmi’s children, however, noted that the crisis was caused by failure of previous administrations to invest and diversify the economy during the booming period.
“All challenges that we are faced with are as a result of our choices, when we had the opportunity to make hard choices, we went for easy ones and that is why we are boxed in a corner.
“From about $110 per barrel price for crude, we are now averaging about $40 per barrel and because of the crisis in the Niger Delta; we used to earn about $110 on 2.2 million barrels a day; right now it’s about $40 on about 1.2 million barrels a barrel per day.
“So, you’d see now that our national wealth has gone down by as much as 50 percent. Unfortunately, when we had those wonderful periods we did not invest, we did not diversify our economy, and so we are in for a rough ride. The road may not be smooth, but the truth is that most roads that often lead to wonderful destinations are not smooth,” he said.
While acknowledging the difficulties facing families and the society as a result of rising cost of living, the Speaker said Christians have been admonished to give thanks to God in every situation, especially that our democracy guarantees freedom of worship.
He however noted that it is time for Nigerians to turn to God for divine intervention instead of murmuring and lamentation, saying, “with prayer God can raise men and women of impeccable character who can contribute their quota in national development and transformation.
“The freedom that we have which is the democracy for which we have sacrificed; doesn’t guarantee anything for anybody. It is only a promise that free people like us can build a promise of the nation that we deserve,” he stated.
While congratulating Odebunmi for the gift of twins to his family, the Speaker urged parents to train their children in the way of God, saying, “and so it is wonderful that these children are dedicated to God and that is where they should be hooked to, anchored to, that is the anchor that will give them success in their lives.”
