By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria)
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North senatorial district has expressed optimism that 2025 will usher in a brighter future for Nigerians under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
In his Yuletide message shared on his official social media platform, Kalu emphasized the need for Nigerian states to embrace competitiveness to foster national development and prosperity. Speaking from his Abuja residence during the festive season, the former governor of Abia State expressed hope for Nigeria’s future while addressing the challenges currently facing the nation.
“I am very happy that it’s Christmas in my house here in Abuja. I am excited that the year is ending, but all is not well with our country,” Kalu began, acknowledging the difficulties faced by Nigerians. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration would intensify efforts to address these challenges, particularly by improving food security and combating banditry.
“President Tinubu will work hard to put food on the table of most Nigerians so that Nigeria will be a better place to live,” he stated, urging citizens to support the government’s initiatives. Kalu highlighted the importance of security and agriculture, noting that a return to farming could play a critical role in rebuilding the economy. “Our military will help us fight banditry, and we will go back to our farms. I will go back to drive my tractor in Igbere and make sure that we farm.”
Kalu also urged Nigerians to embrace farming, recognizing the pressing global demand for food in the coming decade. “The world needs food in the next 10 years,” he stressed, emphasizing the importance of collective action regardless of ethnic backgrounds. “Let us not ask ourselves if we are Igbo, Hausa, Efik, or Yoruba; let’s all be proud that we are Nigerians.”
Drawing parallels to Brazil’s economic transformation under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Kalu recounted his experience attending Lula’s inauguration in 2003. “Today, Lula da Silva is doing a wonderful job in Brazil, and we should also copy some economic policies from China,” he added, referencing the Asian nation’s rapid economic growth driven by competition among its provinces.
He advocated for Nigeria to embrace competition among its states, arguing that this could stimulate economic growth. “The states in Nigeria are very rich,” he asserted, countering misconceptions about regional poverty, particularly in the North, which he described as resource-rich with vast land mass and mineral wealth.
In his closing remarks, Kalu underscored the importance of economic reform and unity. “We need to come together and fight corruption, remove dollar buying, and Nigeria can become a world power in the next five years,” he concluded.
The senator’s message carried a strong call for collective effort, innovation, and a competitive spirit to propel Nigeria toward a brighter and more prosperous future.
