Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara on Saturday, urged Nigerians to exploit the opportunities provided by the current economic recession for self reliance.
Dogara gave the charge while speaking during an economic empowerment programme initiated by Obinna Chidoka, member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Iliya Habila, said Dogara advised Nigerians not to allow the difficulties of the current recession to becloud the opportunities in the country.
“We shouldn’t let the difficulties we are facing as a people, as a nation becloud us from seeing the opportunities that are available from these national challenges that we are facing.
“Challenges related to the economic recession; it should never be an excuse whereby hard working citizens will fold their hands and continue to look up to government to perform the magic.
“For us, the wealth of nation is not measured by how rich the nation is; it is measured in gross national product.
“It, therefore means that, it is accumulative wealth of the people that translates into the wealth of the nation.
“If our citizens are rich and wealthy, Nigeria will be a wealthy nation, if our citizens are poor and hungry, Nigeria will remain a poor nation,” he said.
The Speaker expressed the belief that the items distributed to the beneficiaries by the member would ensure their self reliance and empowerment for their families.
He said the House of Representatives believes that apart from legislation, they were also duty-bound to assist their contituents with items to empower them.
Dogara commended Chidioka for having his constituents at heart by providing them with the items and enjoined them to continue to support him discharge his legislative duties.
Speaking earlier, Obinna Chidoka, who doubles as chairman, House Committee on Environment and Habitat explained that the distribution of the items was the first phase and that the gesture would continue.
Chidoka who thanked the Speaker for appointing him as Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Habitat; saying it was in coincidence with the fact that the state had about 1,000 sites of erosion.
The Speaker also attended a thanksgiving service in honour of the father of the member, Ogbueshi Ben Chidoka, who turned 90 years; at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Obosi.
He eulogised Chidoka for raising good children who have occupied prominent positions in the service of the nation.
Dogara admonished christians to keep faith with God to overcome all challenges in their lives.
He told elder Chidola that God might still find him useful despite his old age.
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