David Umahi, Minister of Works, has urged Nigerians both domestically and internationally to cease de-marketing the nation and to foster patriotism, optimism, and national togetherness.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, Umahi expressed his disapproval of what he called a growing culture of negativity and public denunciation of Nigeria.
“I feel so sad when people de-market the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge.
“This is because a job is very easy when you are not the one doing it. Let there be a rethink.
“We are all journeying through this life, and there is a need to have lasting treasures beyond this life by putting Nigeria first, by being your brother’s keeper, by doing things with the fear of God.
“I wonder that when our people go outside the country, they suffer more; they pass through all kinds of humiliations and oppression; they work sometimes for 19 hours, and they obey all the rules.
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“But when they come here, they break all the rules. That is not good; let us have hope here. This is the only country you can make 100 per cent doing a job, whereas you can’t make more than 10 per cent outside the country,”Umahi said.
The minister of work emphasised that there are many chances in Nigeria, but that if people choose to block their eyes, they would not see the light.
Umahi further urged Nigerians to be positive, forward-thinking, and self-loving because it would not benefit anyone to approach problems with resentment and lack of gratitude.
“There is a saying that ‘forgiveness sets the captive free’, and when you are forgiven, you will find out that you were the captive.
“So let us work with the fear of God and support our government, and of course, engage in constructive criticism. Nigeria is great again.”
Umahi commended President Bola Tinubu for his tenacity and dedication in the face of what he called a dire economic scenario left over from the previous administration.
He claimed that the president’s bravery as a leader was demonstrated by his refusal to voice grievances in public.
As a governor, Umahi stated that he was aware of the Tinubu administration’s legacy. He explained that everything became his top concern and that the debt load got so bad.
“In fact, when I saw the capital projects, I never knew that the debt servicing is drawn from the capital projects, and that is where the problem is.
“So there have been a lot of debts that are kept, and these debts were not used for infrastructure development; otherwise, it would have been a catalyst for development. So it is very important to know that what we inherited was so terrible.
“Everything became a priority, but we shall overcome this. Even our fuel was sold in advance, but it is a matter of courage, and that is why the president is not complaining, but we shall overcome it,” the minister said.
Additionally, Umahi claimed that every index indicates that the reforms are “breathing very well,” pointing out that inflation has decreased, GDP growth has exceeded 4.23 percent, and the foreign reserve has increased by more than 42 percent.
“For me, the president has taken back the nation for us. So forget about the noisemakers. They will always be people making noise, and I will suggest that our generation should also try to work even harder than our forefathers.
“Hard work pays; it is very, very important. Even the Bible professes that he that doesn’t work should not eat,” the minister stated.
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