The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and the newly appointed president of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Balaji Akinyemi and the famous professor of Political Science, Richard Joseph, have expressed optimism about the achievement of a good governance in Nigeria .
Yesterday they announced this at the inauguration of the Richard Joseph Learning Center at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (Niia) in Lagos.
“But we must have hope, and I can identify completely with what Professor Richard Joseph has just said.
“We will overcome and overcome.
“We have not achieved what democracy should bring, but we only follow.
“Then, his generation will have something to inherit,” Akinyemi said.
Also speaking, the political science professor said that his experience over time gives credit to the belief that Nigeria will achieve good governance.
He told moments when democracy was threatened in the country, highlighting the resistance and sacrifices made.
Professor Richard, however, expressed his confidence that Nigeria would overcome his current challenges.
“I've seen it. I have lived it. I have been involved in the civil rights movement. I have been in Mississippi with some of our great leaders.
“I have been involved in the anti -colonial movement.
“I have seen where democracy was threatened in Nigeria and witnessed resistance and sacrifices.
“We were able to overcome those challenges. I have no reason to doubt that we will overcome it again, ”said Richard.
Meanwhile, Richard said the inauguration symbolizes resilience and determination over the years. He expressed privilege of having his last name permanently connected to the institution.
He added that the inauguration reflects its belief in Nigeria, noting that many of them have been part of the fight for what Nigeria can be and should be.
In his comments, the general director of Niia, Professor Ephosa Osaghae, expressed her hope that the newly opened center would help restore the institute's agenda.
The DG described the event as a historical moment, noting that the institute had grown “many higher inches” with the addition of the new center.
“We hope to restore the agenda with this Richard Joseph learning center.
“This is a historic day. We have grown many higher inches. We will continue counting, ”he said.
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