Reps Speaker advises Nigerians to exploit recession opportunities

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday urged Nigerians to exploit the opportunities provided by the current economic recession to become self-reliant.

Dogara made the call at Obosi, Anambra, while speaking at an economic empowerment programme launched by member of the house, Rep. Obinna Chidoka (PDP-Anambra), representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

According to a statement by Mr Iliya Habila, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the speaker advised Nigerians not to allow the difficulties of the recession to becloud the opportunities in the country.

“The truth is that in every difficulty there are challenges.

“We should not let the difficulties we are facing as a people and as a nation to becloud us from seeing the opportunities that are available from these national challenges that we are facing.

“Challenges related to the economic recession should never be the excuse whereby hard working citizens will fold their hands and continue to look up to government to perform the magic.

“For us, the wealth of a nation is not measured by how rich the nation is; it is measured in gross national product.

“It, therefore, means that it is accumulative wealth of the people that translates into the wealth of the nation.

“If our citizens are rich and wealthy, Nigeria will be a wealthy nation. If our citizens are poor and hungry, Nigeria will remain a poor nation,’’ he said.

Dogara expressed belief that items distributed to the people at the event by the legislator would ensure their self-reliance and empowerment for their families.

He said the House of Representatives believed that apart from legislation, lawmakers were also duty-bound to assist their constituents with items to empower them.

Dogara commended Chidoka for providing his constituents with transformers, sewing machines, cooking gas and tricycles, and urged the people to continue to support him in the discharge of his duties.