Former president Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday declared that his faith in Nigeria remained unshakable despite the myriads of challenges confronting it.
The former president, who was speaking during the opening of “Abeokuta Window on America,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, Ogun State, insisted that the country would not be destroyed by the myriads of challenges
The “Abeokuta Window on America” is a type of American Space located in over 150 countries worldwide to engage Nigerian youths in learning about American culture and politics.
The Space is set up in the youth centre of the OOPL in partnership with the US Consulate in Nigeria.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, Obasanjo expressed optimism that no matter what the country is currently going through, evil would not triumph over good.
The former President, who was represented by the Deputy Coordinator of OOPL, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale said: “Whatever may be the problem or challenges currently confronting Nigeria, I assure you that they are not problems on the attack, they are actually problems on the retreat.
“My faith in Nigeria remains unshakable. My optimism about the future is resounding. Some may wonder how the future will be rescued.
“I see hope in the determination, resilience and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. I see hope in their resistance when they are pushed to the wall.
“I see hope in the zeal, commitment and courage in the face of adversity. I see hope in the boundless and incurable optimism of young Nigerians.
“I see hope in the willingness of Nigerian young, who are resisting with all their might the evil that are being perpetrated.
“I see hope in the unwavering conduct and uncompromising drive of Nigerians in demanding a democratic process. I see hope, in the ingenuity and infinite creativity of Nigerians. I see hope in the youth and young, for our tomorrow lies in them.
“I see hope in the great potentials of the Nigerian, empowered, motivated and well led. I see hope in the blending of experience, energy and dynamism of the old and the new.
“I see hope in the dynamism, vibrancy and richness of our culture. And I see hope in the commonality of humanity.”
Speaking on the importance of the “Abeokuta Window on America,” the U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, disclosed that the space would offer a calendar of programmes on topics of interest designed to bring Americans and Nigerians closer.
He noted that the space would further deepen the US – Nigerian relationship, saying no fewer than 100 youths would be engaged on weekly basis, in learning about the culture, history and politics of America through books and over 300 online publications.
