The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has told Nigerians not to despair in the face of current economic challenges because the future remains “very bright”.
The APC chair stated this yesterday at the luncheon and award programme organized by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.
The event was a follow-up to the third Public Service Lecture of the association entitled, “Change and the Nigerian Traditional Institution” delivered at the weekend by the Obi of Onitsha, Agbogidi Igwe Alfred Achebe.
Oyegun, who urged Nigerians to persevere and be optimistic, pointed out that his party, the APC took over power when the economy was in bad shape.
He added that there was need for complete overhauling of the system to initiate the desired change envisaged by the people.
“The price of crude oil dropped drastically when we came on board. Rather than a plastic solution, President Muhammadu Buhari took some sacrificial decisions to overhaul the entire system.
“In the period of pregnancy, there is always pain. Buhari remains one of the few incorruptible Nigerians that can take sacrificial decisions and instill discipline.
“Lack of discipline is one of the factors that brought our institutions to the prostrate state we met them. I have no doubt in my mind that the future is very bright”, Mr. Oyegun asserted.
At the Award ceremony, the APC national chairman bagged Alumnus of the Year while the publisher of the Sun Newspapers and former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, was honoured with Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Among the 56 other awardees were Dr A.A.A Obiora, Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), Chief Olu Falae, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Areoye Oyebola and Dr Michael Omolayole.
Also speaking at the event, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State described Oyegun as a distinguished public servant as well as an accomplished economist and civil servant while the National President of the UI Alumni Association (UIAA), Dr Kemi Emina, described Kalu as a great entrepreneur, who is leading the youths through his entrepreneurial spirit.
Emina thanked Oyegun and Kalu, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Kunle Oyewumi, for their contribution to the development of the institution and the advancement of knowledge.
