Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, took a strong stance on Monday, urging an end to the prevalent use of the phrase ‘May Nigeria not happen to me.’ He emphasized the importance of fostering hope among citizens and suggested that such negative expressions should no longer find a place in our public discourse.
During an interview on Channels Television’s “Empowering Tomorrow,” a special program marking Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary, Fashola underscored the role each citizen plays in shaping the nation’s image and pride through their actions and words.
He also acknowledged the significance of highlighting the positive contributions of Nigerians abroad, recognizing their valuable ambassadorial work on behalf of the country.
Furthermore, Fashola emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift its focus to seemingly small yet vital aspects of the nation’s development, using them as sources of inspiration to nurture hope.
“Hope is the most important currency that sustains human civilisation, that sustains harmony, and the expectation that I can make it,” he said.
Fashola, a lawyer and former governor of Lagos, urged the Tinubu administration not to fear criticism as this is a necessary step in improving the country.
“In the name of criticism, there must be no negative word about this country, even if it has negatives. I remember a conference I attended, and the theme around which we discussed was ‘Can we all agree never to put forward Nigeria’s negative?’
“I have held to that commitment I made solemnly as much as I can,” he added.
