Dr Solomon Uchenna Winning, a Presidential Aspirant in the forthcoming Nigeria’s general elections in 2023, Presiding pastor of Majesty Worship Embassy and President of World Revival Movement has bemoaned the decline in Nigeria’s progress just as he advises Christian leaders in the country to support the Nigerian government to move the country forward in the below interview Christian Benefits’ Clem Emma. Excerpts.
What is your assessment of Nigeria’s growth since independence in 1960 ?
Nigeria as a nation attained her independence from Britain in October 1960. The independence was championed by some fathers of the nation namely Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo among others all of blessed memories. These three influential personalities came together and birthed what is popularly called ‘WAZOBIA” drawn from the three major languages in Nigeria namely Yoruba for Wa (come), Hausa for Zo (come) and Igbo for Bia (come). At the early stage of Nigeria’s independence, things were proper. The economy of the nation was unarguably the best among all other Africa nations. Nigeria was among the world super powers. Nigeria was a country most countries were coming to do investments. People of diverse nationalities across the world trooped to Nigeria at the early years of the nation’s independence to do a lot of things. Unfortunately, few years later Nigeria’s growth began to suffer a decline. The situation of the country began to move from good to bad and now to the worst since the nation’s independence inn 1960. From 1964 specifically till date, lots of things have completely changed for the worst in Nigeria in spite of the fast development that the country witnessed in the early years of her independence. So far Nigeria has predominantly been ruled by the people from the northern of the country with a couple of people from the western part. From 1960 till date, no Ibo person has ruled Nigeria as president. This is an appeal to Nigerians to support this present government to restructure Nigeria to a better place. Nigeria as a nation is one of the respected, acknowledged, and accepted African countries in the world.
What do you think would have become Nigeria’s fate as a nation by 2040?
I still believe that Nigeria will become a better nation. I strongly believe that Nigeria will be one of the best nations in Africa and in the world. What would become of Nigeria’s fate by 2040 most of the existing fathers of the nation today might not witness it. By 2040 Nigeria would have become one of the world powers economically. But at the moment we need to build a future for the next and younger generation of Nigerians. Though it might seem far, we need to build it.
What are the areas the present government needs to restructure in Nigeria?
I want to believe that the present government of this nation is partially attending to the cry of the Nigerian masses. The president is doing well in his capacity, but he can do better than what he is presently doing. The government should look inward, especially in paying attention more to the cry of her people. The government should look into infrastructure; the fixing of roads across the nation should be improved and accessible. The government should also ensure our hospitals across the nation meet the international standard to offer her citizenry quality medical services at home instead of going abroad for medical attention. The government should ensure all hospitals both private and public in the country are indispensable, accessible and meet the international standard. Though the present administration has tried in tackling the deadly virus called coronavirus that is ravaging the world by setting up Isolation centre and laboratory centres to help cushion the effects of the virus, a whole lot still need to be done on our health care delivering system.
What is your advice to both CAN and PFN on the nation building?
We commend the efforts of the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and all other Christian bodies and associations in the country for the good works they are doing in the nation. I still want to encourage, advice and implore the entire Body of Christ in Nigeria to work together in unity to move this nation forward. Nigeria belongs to everybody. We must rise and protect the image of the nation. We need to change our negative perspective about our nation. The government cannot do it alone. The Body of Christ as a whole has a very vital role to play in the nation building. Let us all join hands together with the government of our country to fix this nation.
Can Nigeria ever be a better place than it is today?
As a matter of fact, Nigeria is a better place. By the grace of God, I have traveled around the world. I have come to realized that Nigeria has one of the best developed facilities in the world. Let the Nigerian youth arise. Both the old and children should arise and join hands together to support our government to build a better, lasting great Nigeria again.
