Abuja: A PDP Chieftain, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, has expressed his greatest desire for the younger generation to inherit a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. Ogidi, a former PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-South), made these remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the occasion of his 70th birthday thanksgiving service held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogidi used the event to reflect on his milestone age and express gratitude for his life, especially after undergoing surgery. “Today, I am thanking God for the gift of life, especially having gone in for surgery and come out alive. It is purely the goodness of God. This thanksgiving is my way of acknowledging His grace,” Ogidi stated.
Discussing his vision for Nigeria, Ogidi recalled a more stable past and urged a collective effort to return to peaceful coexistence. “Nigeria should be peaceful again. I hope to see a better Nigeria because I had seen a better Nigeria in the past,” he said. He encouraged young people to have integrity, emphasizing its importance for a better Nigeria, and advised them to be involved in the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in his sermon, Joshua Fregene, former Vice-Chairman of the Laity Council of GKS Church, underscored the need for credible leadership in Nigeria. Fregene attributed the country’s socio-economic challenges to a lack of love and selflessness among leaders. He called for selfless and genuine love, citing I Corinthians 13, and urged leaders to rule with the fear of God.
Addressing security challenges, Fregene suggested the government leverage technology, enhance manpower, and strengthen governance institutions to effectively manage these issues. He mentioned that terrorists and kidnappers are a minority and stressed the importance of governance institutions in maintaining this status.
Fregene also encouraged Nigerians to show compassion and unity, following the example of Christ, to foster national unity. Speaking about Ogidi, Fregene shared that he had known him for many years as a generous and charitable individual.
Benedict Etanabene, a lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, congratulated Ogidi on reaching 70, noting the socio-economic challenges in contemporary Nigeria make this milestone a testament to divine grace. “Before, when people got to 70, we took it for granted that life was easy. But now in Nigeria, if you hit 70, it is a thing of great joy,” Etanabene remarked, urging Nigerians to pray for Ogidi’s continued divine protection and health.