At 90, Anyaoku Laments Nigeria’s Deterioration, Increasing Poverty, Hopes 2023 Poll Will Offer Change
ANYAOKU
The former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Wednesday lamented Nigeria’s deterioration economically with increasing number of people who are poor.
Anyaoku who celebrated his 90th birthday which was attended by eminent personalities said the situation was bad despite the fact that the country has been blessed, adding that very few counties are blessed as Nigeria.
He however expressed hope that the 2023 election will bring about change.
He pointed out the issue of insecurity in the country which has made travelling by road as very dangerous, saying this should be of serious concern to every Nigerian.
The Octogenarian who celebrated his birthday in Lagos said, “An undeniable truth at the moment is that our country has declined, insecurity has made traveling by road dangerous.
“The green passport is disdained in many international airports. Our economy is such that most of our young people and increasingly a great number of our professionals are going abroad for greener pastures. Nigeria now has one of the greatest concentrations of people living below the poverty line.
“There is hope that this year’s national elections will be the beginning of a change for the better.”
Anyaoku thanked God for preserving his life and achievements, adding that he had travelled to more than 100 countires.
President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated him on his birthday.
Buhari had in a letter he sent to him said “It gives me great joy and delight to warmly rejoice with a seasoned diplomat and administrator, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on his 90th birthday, January 18, 2023.
“I acknowledge the worthy contributions you have made to the development of the country, starting out as a young Foreign Service Officer, and reaching the pinnacle of your career as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, through vision and diligence, and consistently projecting Nigeria as a great nation.
“Thank you for your statesmanship, and for using your extensive network of international friends to support the country’s efforts in deepening good governance, democracy and sustainable development”.
Obasanjo had in his remark at the birthday celebration described Anyaoku “An ambassador of ambassadors”, adding that he contributed to the end of apartheid.
Among dignitaries that attended the event according to Thisday Newspaper report were Dr. Gabriel Soyoye, an economist , Editor-in-Chief/Founder, THISDAY and Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; former Chief of Army Staff, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and his wife; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chief Subomi Balogun; Professor Anya O. Anya; Chief Olusegun Osoba; Mr. Sam Amuka; Atedo Peterside; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and his wife; Prince Adesuyi Adeluyi; and Oba Otudeko.
*Additional reports from Thisday Newspaper.
Anyaoku who celebrated his 90th birthday which was attended by eminent personalities said the situation was bad despite the fact that the country has been blessed, adding that very few counties are blessed as Nigeria.
He however expressed hope that the 2023 election will bring about change.
He pointed out the issue of insecurity in the country which has made travelling by road as very dangerous, saying this should be of serious concern to every Nigerian.
The Octogenarian who celebrated his birthday in Lagos said, “An undeniable truth at the moment is that our country has declined, insecurity has made traveling by road dangerous.
“The green passport is disdained in many international airports. Our economy is such that most of our young people and increasingly a great number of our professionals are going abroad for greener pastures. Nigeria now has one of the greatest concentrations of people living below the poverty line.
“There is hope that this year’s national elections will be the beginning of a change for the better.”
Anyaoku thanked God for preserving his life and achievements, adding that he had travelled to more than 100 countires.
President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated him on his birthday.
Buhari had in a letter he sent to him said “It gives me great joy and delight to warmly rejoice with a seasoned diplomat and administrator, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on his 90th birthday, January 18, 2023.
“I acknowledge the worthy contributions you have made to the development of the country, starting out as a young Foreign Service Officer, and reaching the pinnacle of your career as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, through vision and diligence, and consistently projecting Nigeria as a great nation.
“Thank you for your statesmanship, and for using your extensive network of international friends to support the country’s efforts in deepening good governance, democracy and sustainable development”.
Obasanjo had in his remark at the birthday celebration described Anyaoku “An ambassador of ambassadors”, adding that he contributed to the end of apartheid.
Among dignitaries that attended the event according to Thisday Newspaper report were Dr. Gabriel Soyoye, an economist , Editor-in-Chief/Founder, THISDAY and Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; former Chief of Army Staff, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and his wife; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chief Subomi Balogun; Professor Anya O. Anya; Chief Olusegun Osoba; Mr. Sam Amuka; Atedo Peterside; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and his wife; Prince Adesuyi Adeluyi; and Oba Otudeko.
*Additional reports from Thisday Newspaper.
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