Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna and a prominent social commentator, emphasized that Nigeria should not only be recognized as the most populous country in Africa but should also excel across all sectors of its economy. He made these remarks while attending the Inaugural Memorial Lecture of Prince Emeka Obasi, the late Publisher of Business Hallmark, titled ‘If this Giant Must Walk; Manifesto for a New Nigeria’.
Reflecting on his tenure representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly and his role as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Sani noted that Nigeria has yet to reach its full potential.
Despite Nigeria’s population of 220 million people, Sani pointed out that being a ‘Giant of Africa’ should extend beyond mere numbers. He advocated for Nigeria to excel in manufacturing, exports, shipbuilding, automobile production, information technology, agriculture, and education. Sani stressed that Nigeria’s status as a ‘giant’ should not be limited to population size alone.
Expressing dismay at the persistent challenges facing the country, Sani called for concrete actions to address these issues. He questioned why Nigeria, endowed with abundant natural resources, continues to grapple with problems like water scarcity, power shortages, and hunger, attributing these challenges to self-inflicted causes rather than divine intervention.
Sani emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the threats posed by terrorists and bandits. While acknowledging some progress in tackling these issues, he stressed the need for decisive action to combat terrorism and kidnapping, which are destabilizing the nation.
Advocating for substantial investments in science and technology, Sani highlighted the importance of a well-equipped and adequately funded security apparatus to combat threats effectively. He underscored the critical role of security in Nigeria’s progress, emphasizing that without it, the nation cannot move forward.