Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has criticized the Federal Government’s recent re-introduction of the old national anthem, calling for a shift in priorities towards addressing pressing issues such as hunger and poverty.
Makinde, who condemned the decision yesterday as “a waste of time and resources,” stated, “the return of the old national anthem shouldn’t be our priority when so many Nigerians are suffering.”
He emphasized that the country must focus on economic development, asserting that there can be no production without mobilization. According to the governor, discussions about the new national anthem, local government autonomy, and other issues are not addressing what will expand the nation’s productive base. He argued that addressing fundamental issues is crucial for fostering economic development.
The governor said, “Our country is in a state of crisis, and we must act now.
“Our people are hungry, our infrastructure is crumbling, and our economy is in shambles.
“We should be focused on finding solutions to these problems, not wasting time and money on superficial changes like a new anthem.
“We are at a point in Oyo State and our nation where we must prioritize economic development. As a country, we have to prioritize production, we have to be productive. There cannot be production without mobilization.
“Our strongest resource is our people. The training and education of our people is the best empowerment we can give them.
“We have to keep on educating our people. Let them use their God-given talents to support what we are doing in Oyo State.”
Makinde called on the federal government to take swift and decisive action to address the country’s myriad challenges, stating, “we cannot afford to waste any more time.
“Our people deserve better,” he said. “They deserve a government that is focused on their needs, not on distractions and empty gestures.
“Let us put our resources and our energy where they are most needed, and let us work together to build a better, brighter future for all Nigerians,” he stressed.
