Nigeria’s Greatest Challenge Is Absence Of Integrity – Osinbajo

Says FG Would Have Solved 70% of Nigeria’s Problems If Citizens Are Truthful

By Nofisat Marindoti and Toba Adedeji

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has noted that the greatest challenge of the country aside corruption, is the absence of integrity.

Emphasising that any society without integrity is doomed to fail, Osinbajo urged Nigerians to add value to the society.

He also added that 70% of the myriad of challenges facing the nation would have been solved if most Nigerians were truthful, sincere and integrity personified.

The VP gave this charge at the 1st Regional Youth Summit organised by the Government of the State of Osun in collaboration with Development Agenda For Western Nigeria, DAWN tagged, “West 2040; Productivity, Prosperity and Peace”.

The Vice president in his address contended that, to draw 25years action plan which the Regional Youth Summit is aimed towards, youths must see the needs to incorporate integrity and hardwork as part of their lifestyle which will definitely served as compass to lead the country to promised land.

“The greatest challenge facing Nigeria is the absence of Integrity and Corruption. Every society that does not emphasize and stand on integrity always fail. Economy, business is based on trust.”

Osinbajo also urged youths to be hardworking, have good character and integrity, adding that talent by itself means nothing.

“Hardwork is crucial, you have to be resolute and maximize the opportunities in the country. There are many opportunities in the country today, the Internet is there, make good use of it. Think and act nationally and globally. Add values to the society.” Osinbajo charged the teeming youths.

“The southwest has showed a great concern by putting a 25years action plan to advance the country but we must realize that hardwork is very crucial because nothing can be achieve without it.

“Don’t see yourselves as people of southwest alone but see yourselves as an advocate of development and advancement to build old waste places, building the gaps and bridges globally.”

The Guest Speaker of the event, Ayodele Modope who is the Director General of “No Left Over” a catering outfit who started the business of selling “Moin moin” with just N1,000, also urged the youths to be creators of wealth.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Regional Integration, Hon. Bola Ilori explained that the Summit was geared towards setting the master plan for the Western Region in 25 years to come.

“The summit is to provide platform for the youths of Western Region, to come together and plan the future of the Region. The script will be written by them on how this region will be by 20 years and that is why we call it “West 2040″. So it is to involve the youths in the planning of how the region will be by year 2040.” Ilori explained.