Hamzat, Adewale, others Converged to Chart Nigeria’s Future
Kehinde Adeleye
It was a gathering of voices of conviction, hope and patriotism as the Inspired Movement, held its public forum in Lagos today with the theme “Without Doubt, Nigeria Shall Be Great.”
The Convener, Deacon Banjo Omole, explained that the theme was divinely revealed to him 11 years ago, he described it as a declaration of faith in Nigeria’s future.
According to him, “Without doubt” is not just a phrase but a conviction that unity in diversity is not a weakness but a strength. He called for innovation, collaboration and optimism, stressing that only collective action can deliver the greatness Nigeria deserves.
Representing the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Hon. Kolawole Fasusi, a former Secretary to the Council, urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s progress. He lamented the habit of citizens cursing the country while foreigners recognize opportunities within it. “Americans wake up every day to say ‘God bless America,’” he said. “We must also learn to bless Nigeria, train our children well and accept that each of us is a leader in our own right.”
Professor James Adewunmi Falode of the Lagos State University commended the convener’s vision, describing Omole as a poet and scholar who translates inspiration into action.
He situated Nigeria within the framework of “weak states”countries with the resources to become strong but lacking in security and functional systems. He emphasized that education remains the missing link to national transformation, warning that neglecting it will keep Nigeria from greatness.
The Deputy State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Patricia Onwueme, who represented the State Director, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, reminded the audience that greatness requires more than rhetoric. She insisted that honesty, loyalty and integrity must be at the heart of every Nigerians, adding that “a deliberate effort and unwavering commitment are the real drivers of national progress.”
Representing the House of Representatives member Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, Olalekan Arogundade praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for laying early foundations for growth. He appealed for patience and resilience, noting that “Nigeria will surely be great if we give the system time to stabilize.”
Panel sessions brought even more diverse perspectives.
Engr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, board member of the North Central Development Commission, spoke on gender balance in governance, stressing that women bring passion and creativity into leadership. She commended President Tinubu for appointing women into strategic roles.
Mrs. Adenike Akinade, Lagos State Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), challenged both leaders and the masses, accusing some community leaders of diverting resources and criticizing citizens who overload government with unrealistic expectations. She urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders and know their civic boundaries.
Hon. Nurudeen Akinwunmi, former member of the House of Representatives, said Nigeria is already on the road to greatness, adding that the reforms of the Tinubu administration will, in time, move Nigeria from a weak state to a strong state.
Dr. Jide Johnson, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, faulted the belief that development must always come from the top. He argued that progress begins from within communities and urged citizens to reject imposed leadership that does not reflect local realities.
Representing the Lagos State Special Adviser on Works, Hon. Suluka reminded participants that no nation achieves greatness by chance. “There is no greatness enjoyed by the A-list countries of the world that Nigeria cannot attain,” he said, urging collective responsibility.
The session ended with a rousing address from Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who represented the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. He praised President Tinubu for defying critics and delivering results within two years. He disclosed that the Lagos Assembly is working on laws to grant councillors greater autonomy and stressed virtues such as integrity, patriotism and dignity of labour as the pillars upon which Nigeria’s greatness will stand.
The event was anchored by Abimbola Bello of Lagos State Television and moderated by Sunday Obanubi, ended on a note of optimism, with all stakeholders agreeing that Nigeria’s greatness is not just a dream but a reality within reach, if citizens and leaders alike rise to their responsibilities.
