Nigeria At 66: Achudume Tasks Nigerians On Resources, Accountability, Nation-Building

Ayomide Awe

The Lead Pastor and General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has urged Nigerians to harness the country’s vast human and natural resources for national development, while using democratic processes to demand accountable and responsible leadership.

Achudume made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a special programme organised by the church to pray for Nigeria as the country marked its 66th Independence anniversary.

The cleric said Nigeria was endowed with enormous human capital, agricultural resources and other natural assets capable of transforming the country into a prosperous nation, but stressed that such potential could only be realised through integrity, discipline, sacrifice, responsible leadership and active citizenship.

According to him, the country’s challenges should not make Nigerians lose sight of the enormous capacity of its people to excel globally.

“We are great people. We are intelligent people. Look at the best doctors on earth; look at the best engineers. Name it, and you will find Nigerians there,” Achudume said.

He cited Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, and other Nigerians who have distinguished themselves internationally as evidence of the intellectual and professional capacity available within the country.

The pastor, however, warned that intelligence and talent without character, discipline and integrity would not be sufficient to transform Nigeria.

He said the country needed citizens and leaders who would deploy their abilities in the service of the nation rather than for personal enrichment.

Achudume also drew attention to Nigeria’s agricultural and natural resource base, stressing that the different regions of the country possessed complementary resources capable of driving economic growth if properly harnessed.

He noted that the North was endowed with agricultural products including tomatoes, onions, yam and cashew, while the South, including the South-West, also possessed significant agricultural and other natural resources.

Rather than allowing regional differences to become sources of division, he said Nigerians should exploit their diversity as a basis for cooperation, trade and shared prosperity.

“Our coming together as a nation is not by accident; we believe it is part of Your design,” he said.

The cleric urged Nigerians to stop viewing the country exclusively through the lens of its challenges, saying citizens should acknowledge Nigeria’s potential while taking responsibility for solving the problems confronting the nation.

Leadership must serve the people

Achudume said the quality of leadership remained central to Nigeria’s ability to translate its resources into tangible development.

Drawing from the biblical account of King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25, who did what was right but not with a perfect heart, he said public officials must genuinely place the welfare of the people above personal interests.

He maintained that the provision of roads, markets, housing, transportation and other public infrastructure should not be portrayed as personal favours by elected officials.

“In the first place, you were elected to do that. And if you can’t do it, you step aside,” he said.

The pastor consequently charged Nigerians to become more involved in the electoral process, beginning with voter registration and extending to active participation, protection of their votes and lawful demands for accountability.