Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and newly appointed Council Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, and renowned Professor of Political Science, Richard Joseph, have expressed optimism about the attainment of good governance in Nigeria.
They made this known at the inauguration of the Richard Joseph Learning Center at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) yesterday in Lagos.
“But we must have hope, and I can fully identify with what Professor Richard Joseph just said.
“We shall overcome, and we will overcome.
“We have not achieved what democracy should bring, but we just keep at it.
“So, your generation will have something to inherit,” Akinyemi stated.
Also speaking, the Professor of Political Science said his experience over time lends credence to the belief that Nigeria will achieve good governance.
He recounted moments when democracy was threatened in the country, highlighting the resistance and sacrifices made.
Professor Richard, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
“I have 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 the resistance and sacrifices.
“We were able to overcome those challenges. I have no reason to doubt that we will overcome again,” Richard stated.
Meanwhile, Richard said the inauguration symbolizes resilience and determination over the years. He expressed privilege in having his family name permanently connected to the institution.
He added that the inauguration reflects their belief in Nigeria, noting that many of them have been part of the struggle for what Nigeria can and should be.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, expressed hope that the newly inaugurated centre would help reset the institute’s agenda.
The DG described the event as a historic moment, noting that the institute had grown “many inches taller” with the addition of the new centre.
“We hope we can reset the agenda with this Richard Joseph Learning Centre.
“This is a historic day. We have grown many inches taller. We will continue to count,” he stated.
