PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have expressed hope of a greater future for the country despite the challenges of the last 100 years.
They spoke yesterday at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja, at the presentation of The Nigerian Century, a book by veteran journalist Mr. Dare Babarinsa.
They hailed Babarinsa for his works in journalism and commitment to the nation’s growth.
Other prominent Nigerians, who attended the event, were ex-Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, ex-Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Mr. Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo and ex-Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN).
Publisher of Ovation magazine Bashorun Dele Momodu, who reviewed the book, described Babarinsa as an encyclopaedia of Nigerian history, saying the author is worthy of celebration.
Buhari, who delivered a keynote address, was represented by the APC’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni.
Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, was represented by Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.
Tinubu, who presented the book, was represented by a federal lawmaker representing Ikorodu, Babajimi Benson.
Buhari said: “What would we have been if we are not Nigerians? Which other polity would give meaning to our indomitable spirit, boundless energy, collective creativity, cultural diversity and unique sense of enterprise?
“I am happy that the theme of The Nigerian Century is the people of Nigeria. Yes, our land is blessed by providence with riches in oil and gas, iron ore, gold, limestone and almost all minerals of this earth. Our soil can grow almost any crop and our vegetation supports animal life as varied as creation can manifest. Our rivers and coast lines are rich with fishes and various kinds of life.
“Yet, despite these bounties from nature, I have no doubt that the greatest blessings of Nigeria are the wonderful people that give expression to the grandeur and majesty of our beloved country.”
Oni, who adopted the prologue of the book as written and signed by the President, said the comments of the President best suited the country’s situation.
Buhari added that in a century, the country’s “resilience was tested by the turbulence of the 1960s, the bloodletting of the Civil War era and the inclement uncertainties of military rule”.
“In the last 16 years, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic governance under my leadership and those of my three predecessors – Chief Obasanjo, the late Malam Umar Musa and Dr. Jonathan. We are still facing challenges that are providing new tests for our resilience and capability for growth, prosperity and sustenance in an atmosphere of security and strict adherence to the constitution and rule of law.
“I can assure you that our great country and its leaders are equal to the challenges ahead. All outstanding men and women featured in this historic compendium provide the evidence that our country must embrace its destiny, which is greatness. We have no reason to fail.
“In 100 years time, Nigerians would be celebrating two centuries of existence. Part of the story of that time would be that we were here, we did our best and we passed on to the next generation, a banner without stain,” the President said.
Obasanjo, who said the book captured the essence of Nigeria, added that there is hope to fix Nigeria and to heal its wounds given the country’s natural endowments.
He enjoined the younger generation to learn from the nation’s history, saying without sense of history, planning and implementation, there would be danger ahead.
Tinubu said Nigerians must engage the country’s history for a better and greater Nigeria.
He said: “Knowing little about our country is a peril we cannot afford. Ignorance can lead to wrong judgment, wrong prejudices, wrong decisions and wrong conflicts. I have gone through a copy of The Nigerian Century and I have come to the conclusion that we have much to be proud of about Nigeria. Despite the challenges and the occasional turbulences in our history, we have done well and we have justified our position as the giant of Africa.
“But there is a danger that is lurking at the corner. Our youth are no longer studying history in primary and secondary schools. We now have the despairing phenomenon, where foreigners set up secondary schools in Nigeria to teach history of foreign countries.
“We have British schools teaching the history of Britain in Nigeria. We have Turkish schools teaching the history of Turkey in Nigeria. We have American schools teaching American history in Nigeria. Why then should we have Nigerian schools in Nigeria that will not teach our history? How can our children be Nigerians, if they don’t know their history?
“I am happy that The Nigerian Century gives us an accessible history of Nigeria, which will be appealing to the younger generation. This is a wake up call for our governments to return history into our curriculum. They should also make The Nigerian Century available to every community and secondary school library throughout the federation.”