The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has addressed the current challenges facing Nigeria with a message of hope and perseverance.
Speaking at a birthday colloquium in his honour, Akume assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to delivering on its “Renewed Hope Agenda” and achieving a brighter future for the nation.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians and appealed for their patience and prayers.
He said, “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, the renewed hope.
“Hope that tomorrow will be better than today and I assure you it is going to be better than today. Nations are great because their citizenry believes 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. I told people that difficult problems can not be solved as instantly as coffee. You know coffee is written “instant coffee”.
He thanked God for the preservation of life and President Tinubu for counting him worthy to be appointed as the SSG to form part of his formidable team that will deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.
He also thanked the good people of Benue State for their support in the last general election, which culminated in victory at the state and federal levels.
While coveting their prayers for President Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia and himself to enable them to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The SGF also stressed the need for unity and tolerance among our diversified ethnic and religious affiliations, saying Mr. 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 our diversity lies our strength when it’s well managed.
Alia, who was represented by his deputy, 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 President Tinubu for appointing Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Ode said that the Colloquium/Symposium will help foster good governance and political cohesion.
He assured that the event will be an annual ritual in honour of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The Chairman of the 70th Birthday colloquium/ Symposium, Kashim Imam, described Sen Akume as a gift not only to Benue State but to humanity at large.
He said Akume exemplified a detribalized Nigerian, a bridge builder, a philanthropist par excellence, and a unifier.
He observed that the SGF was able to unify five communities in Benue State, which hitherto existed separately divided, but was able to bring them together as a family.
He thanked President Tinubu for appointing Akume as the SGF as he is a square peg in a square hole considering his wealth of experience.
Paulen Tallen, the Chair lady of the Colloquium in her remarks said that the SGF is a leader that everyone should be proud of; not only in Benue and the North Central geopolitical zone but the country at large.
The Colloquium/Symposium is part of the weeklong activities to mark the homecoming and birthday anniversary in honour of the SGF.
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