Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has assured that in spite of the present challenges, Nigerians will laugh, as the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He gave the assurance in Markudi during his address at a birthday colloquium/symposium organised in his honour as part of activities to mark his 70th birthday.
He appealed to Nigerians to pray and believe in the country saying the government would work tirelessly to address those challenges headlong.
“I am appealing again that you pray for Nigeria, for it is the only country we have. No matter the difficulties, no matter the deficiencies, the future is bright. Tomorrow will be better than today and I assure you it is going to be better than today.
“ Nations are great because its citizens believe that tomorrow will be better than today. What about today? It may be rough and tough. But when you have a very difficult problem, it takes time to get it addressed. You don’t treat them with kid gloves,” Akume said.
He thanked Tinubu for counting him worthy to be appointed as the government scribe to form part of his team that will deliver on his agenda.
The SGF also stressed the need for unity and tolerance among the country’s diversified ethnic and religious affiliations, saying the president believes in unity in diversity as exemplified in the appointments he has made so far.
He encouraged Nigerians to toe the same line for the progress of the country as he is confident that in the country’s diversity lies its strength when it’s well managed.
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, described the SGF as a political colossus and a democratic patriarch who laid a solid foundation upon which the new Benue state is resting.
He also used the opportunity to thank Tinubu for appointing Akume as the SGF.
The Chairman of the 70th Birthday colloquium/ Symposium, Dr. Kashim Imam, described Akume as a gift not only to Benue state but to humanity at large.
He said Akume exemplified a detribalised Nigerian, a bridge builder, a philanthropist per excellence, and a unifier, observing that the SGF was able to unify five communities in Benue State, which were hitherto existing separately.
