Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, appealed to Nigerians to be hopeful for a better country, insisting that the country would not be destroyed by the myriads of challenges confronting it.
Obasanjo disclosed this yesterday during the opening of Abeokuta Window on America at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The Abeokuta Window on America is a type of American Space located in over 150 countries worldwide set up to engage Nigerian youths in learning about American culture, history and politics.
The Space was set up at the youth centre of the OOPL in partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, Obasanjo declared that his faith in a better Nigeria remains unshakable.
Obasanjo, who was represented by the Deputy Coordinator of OOPL, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale, said: “Whatever may be the problem or challenges currently confronting Nigeria today, I assure you 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 is the future to 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 boundness and incurable optimism of young Nigerians.
“I see hope, in the willingness of Nigerians young and old who are resistance with all their might to 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 the Nigeria. 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 U.S. – Nigeria 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.
