President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Thursday discussion about the unquenchable spirit of Nigerians, their positive attitudes and self-belief, led him to announce what he described as Nigeria’s existing first and last names.
This comes in the middle of discussions bordering on a name change for Nigeria, buttressed by Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), who on March 6th proposed ‘United States Of Nigeria’ as the country’s new name.
Although President Bola Tinubu failed to address this while speaking with members of the Nigerian business community during Iftar in Abuja, the President said Nigeria has two existing names. He submitted that Nigeria’s first name is ‘Spirit’, the last name is ‘Can DO’.
Adesina had suggested the rebranding of Nigeria while speaking on the need for restructuring after he received the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo ‘Prize for Leadership’.
The economist said it is necessary to change the governance system in the country and decentralise governance to states to provide greater autonomy.
On the other hand, Tinubu’s revelation has been made a subject of discourse, with many Nigerians calling on him to react to Adesina’s proposal.
While recounting his speech at the New York Stock Exchange when he visited in 2023, President Tinubu said Nigerians have the self-belief and determination to drive economic transformation from within.
Tinubu’s statement, published by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Media, reads: ”PRESIDENT TINUBU: NIGERIA’S FIRST NAME IS SPIRIT, THE LAST NAME IS ‘CAN DO’. At the New York Stock Exchange, I appealed to foreign investors to consider Nigeria as a prime investment destination.
“At the end of my remarks, I told them we only want them to show their face and diversify Nigeria’s economy not as if we cannot do it ourselves.
“Tony Elumelu walked up to me and thanked me for making that statement. We can do it. Nigeria is a self-believer and can always deliver on its own. We know our first name and our last name. Our first name is: Spirit, and our last name is: Can do.”
“Tinubu thanked members of the business community for their support and pledged to engage with them more frequently.
“He said Nigeria’s economy is at a turning point and will require the steadfast support of the private sector for sustained growth and prosperity.
”I would have summoned you before now, not during Ramadan, because you are a very valuable part of my constituency.
”There is no driver of the economy that is bigger than the private sector. If the private sector is not flourishing, there is no growth, no prosperity, no employment or development. No matter how flowery the speeches are, not even a mushroom will grow.
”Thank you for persevering. We are at a turning point in our economy. I do not have to do a quadratic equation to illustrate all of that to you. I just want to appreciate you for your endurance and perseverance,’’ the President said.
“I have no reason to underperform as the elected President of the country because I campaigned for the job.
“I cannot complain about the job. I appreciate the gesture, and what you have told me this evening is very inspiring. Cut the costs. Fix the bends. Summon courage. Save the money, but push the economy. We will be there.There are some countries that have failed. There are some countries that have succeeded. In our time, in my time, all of us must work together to succeed. Thank you very much.” CONTINUE READING
Share this article
Share
Tweet
Share