Nigeria @64: Utilise human, material resources for national devt.—Nwoko

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has urged the nation’s leaders to explore the country’s abundant human and material resources to build enduring structures and vision that would serve its people and posterity.

The lawmaker said at the age of 64, Nigeria had sufficient time to lay solid foundation for its present and future generations.

He said this on Tuesday in his Independent Day message to Nigeria.

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, is also a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.

“As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, I find myself reflecting on the nation’s journey having been born in the same year.

“64 years is more than sufficient time for a nation to lay solid foundations, build enduring structures, and craft a vision that serves both its people and posterity.

“While we have undoubtedly made progress in certain areas, the gaps in our development, particularly in critical sectors are glaring,” he said.

The lawmaker said that failure to meet these expectations stemmed largely from internal contradictions and external pressures.

He said neocolonialism and the poor national social safety net remained two of the most formidable barriers to the nation’s progress.

“If we can address these twin challenges, I believe Nigeria can reclaim its potential as a truly independent and thriving nation,” he said.

Nwoko also urged the authorities to work harder in repositioning the nation’s currency saying the decline in its value did not portend well for the economy.

“One of the critical gaps in our regulatory framework is the absence of an explicit prohibition against the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, particularly in payment for services.

“This loophole in the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and the Foreign Exchange Act has allowed exploitative practices to persist unchecked.

Nwoko, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting several measures to enhance the value of the Naira.

“As we celebrate our dear Nigeria at 64. I call on the Federal Government and my fellow legislators to take action and sponsor policies that will yield true independence,” Nwoko said.