By Yemi Akinsuyi
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country as it goes through a transformative period, noting that the country is like a patient with a broken leg that requires surgery.
He said the current reforms being carried out by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in the country are necessary to reposition the country for economic growth and therefore urged Nigerians to expect the gains from the current pains for the future of the country.
Dr. Hamzat also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu as he’s taking bold steps for holistic economic reforms.
The Deputy Governor spoke on Thursday during a special prayer in commemoration of his 60th birthday, held at the Lagos Community Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa.
The event was attended by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba; former Lagos State deputy governors, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the State.
Also at the event were present and former members of the National and State Assemblies, Lagos State cabinet members, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, religious and traditional leaders, council chairmen, captains of industries, celebrants friends, associates and family members, among others.
Dr. Hamzat, during his address, likened the challenging times that Nigeria is going through to undergoing a surgery, noting that once the process is completed, Nigeria will emerge stronger and better for everyone.
He said, “This is a challenging time that Nigeria is currently passing through. It can be likened to a patient undergoing surgery, which may be painful, but, immediately the process is complete and the patient gets healed, he or she will walk again. In the same vein, Nigeria, after the ongoing social economic reform, will emerge stronger and better for everyone.”
While stressing the need to continuously pray for the nation and leaders, Dr. Hazmat emphasised that “if the nation is not at peace, what then will happen to the over 200 million citizens, or where do you want them to go?”
Speaking further, he noted that seeking national development goes beyond its citizens going on social media to criticise, but it should be a collaborative effort because it is not an easy task to rule a country with several complexities like Nigeria.
Hamzat therefore urged Nigerians to keep praying for the nation. “Please, let us keep praying for Nigeria. We need to pray for all our leaders, from our president to the governors and others.
“Nigerians need to be patient with the current administration. There is inflation and struggles in the country, but these experiences are not limited to Nigeria since it is a global issue with a varied degree,” he said.
The Deputy Governor thanked God for experiencing another year and prayed that everyone will experience many years of good health and prosperity.
While extolling Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s passion for the growth of the state, he expressed his gratitude for the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, and dedication to the state.
“The passion you bring to the state is high. May God continue to be with you. I commend your dedication to the state, brotherliness, thoroughness, and passion for the job. Just about two days ago, Mr. Governor was still telling me, Femi, that Fourth Mainland Bridge project must be done. The passion he brings to the job and to the state is uncommon,” he said.
Hamzat explained that the passion and hard work by Governor Sanwo-Olu have seen Lagos State, a sub-national government, execute big projects like the rail line projects, which are only done by national governments.
Speaking during the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu paid glowing tributes to his deputy, describing the celebrant “as a very hard-working, dependable, and loyal deputy” who had proved his worth not only in Lagos State but at the national level as an intelligent deputy governor.
He said, “Somebody called me one time and said Lagos State Deputy Governor is the most intelligent deputy governor in Nigeria, right now, and I agreed with him.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said contrary to belief in some quarters that he and his deputy will not be able to work together, they have both worked perfectly together to transform the state without rancour.
He said Hamzat’s administrative acumen, erudition, and dint of hard work had been noticed by all and sundry, including his colleague governors, saying the bond between him and his deputy had transcended the current offices they occupy.
Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed that God would continue to grant Dr. Hamzat more grace to serve the people of Lagos in particular and the entire Nigerian citizens as a whole.
Also speaking, religious leaders showered encomiums on Dr. Hamzat, describing him as a humble person, a courageous man, and someone who fears God.
