Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has given hopes that current security worries nationwide is a temporary setback that would fizzle out.
He said the various cases of violence are not what define the Nigerian people.
Aregbesola stated this while being presented an award of the ‘Best Minister of the Year 2022’ at the 10th edition of the Heroes of Democracy Award Africa which held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
Aregbesola was quoted as saying at the event, “Our nation is going through challenges, especially on security. These challenges are temporary and do not define us. We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people, in their strength, ingenuity and resilience, as exemplified by the quality of the recipients of today’s awards.”
He added that a time is coming when Nigerians shall look at the current period in retrospect and appreciate God.
Speaking further, the minister noted that he has never really taken award seriously, but was moved by the transparency with which the organisers came about the winners and the need to encourage others in public office to put in their best to advance the course of humanity.
“I came from an ideological tradition that places humanity in the centre of the universe and deprecates self. All our actions – physical, social, economic and political – should advance the cause of humanity. We therefore strive to solve all problems, as humanly possible, and provide the greatest good for the greatest number. These, and the grace of God, prepared and recommend me for every high office I have held and have been my guiding principles.
“But in all honesty, I have never been fazed by awards. However, given the open and transparent efforts made by the organisers and the extent to which they have gone to get the opinion of a cross section of Nigerians on their choice for the award, I am indeed humbled by their honest choice. It is my sincere wish that the award will inspire young people, upcoming politicians and others who are still looking forward to fulfilment in life. I want them to know that passion, dedication and doggedness are worthy virtues to attaining success and recognition,” the minister stated.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola further urged the youths to strive for self-development and pursuit of excellence in our quest for development and building a great nation.
The Minister of Interior emerged best ‘Minister of the Year 2022’ from a category with three other nominees which includes the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mallam Isa Ali Pantami and Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.
Other awardees at the event are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who won Legislative Personality of the Decade Award; Governor of Niger State, Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello, who won the Man of the Year Award; Businessman and 2023 APC Presidential Aspirant, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, who won Democracy Spotlight Politician of the year; Sen. Barau Jibrin, who won Senator of the Year Award amongst several others.
The event was attended by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy Agba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore; Business Tyconn, Alh. Sulieman Baba Ali; Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; Nigeria Immigration Service, Idris Isah Jere amongst several others.