Posted by Reverend Fr. Patrick Ampani, a Nigerian priest living in Canada, recently called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize programs that help the poor in Nigeria.
In New York, Ampani told NAN that the president should prioritize regaining the trust of the people after it was broken by the previous administration. He was commenting on the 63rd Independence Anniversary.
The priest urged Tinubu to restore folks’ faith in him by delivering on trustworthy projects.
The government’s priority should be the people’s happiness, which it can do through providing a safe environment, safeguarding citizens’ possessions, expanding economic opportunities, and lowering regulatory burdens.
Without safety, economic growth, and pro-business legislation, it is difficult to build a prosperous nation.
“All the hope that a nation has is embedded in its ability to create a secure environment, empower the youths through credible education, create job opportunities, and policies that encourage businesses to grow,” he said.
The president, in his view, must prove that his administration can be trusted to uphold the rule of law in an open and accountable manner.
Chaplain Ampani of the Canadian Armed Forces reminded his country’s citizens that they had much for which to thank God and to never forget the sacrifices of Nigeria’s forefathers.
“I honor the forefathers’ extraordinary fortitude and resolve in envisioning national freedom and liberty in the pursuit of happiness.
“Also, I applaud the efforts of my countrymen thus far and urge the people to pause and think about the founders’ sacrifices.
In order to honor their legacies and consider the path they envisioned for Nigeria’s future growth and prosperity, we must pause now.
“Also, to reflect on how we have either been contributing in enforcing their vision for a better nation, or how we have failed to be on board in building the vision they founded,” he added.
Father Ampani argued that all citizens should be taught, through schools and other government institutions, to contribute their skills to the common good.
However, the state should foster conditions favorable to people’ pursuit of greatness and the building of a brighter future for their offspring and future generations.
To that end, I’d like to urge my fellow citizens not to put too much stock in the actions of certain government leaders, even if they go against the wishes of our nation’s founders.
However, the priest urged his congregation to “make an effort at our respective levels to do what we consider to be right and be the change we all desire to see in society.”