Nigerians complain about leaders without doing much for themselves ― Ambassador Farounbi

Most of the times, Nigerians sit back and complain about bad leadership and governance but fail to explore available opportunities in the land for survival. This is according to Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi.

Farounbi expressed this concern in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday at the pre-launch of the RF3 Nigeria, a wellness product outfit.

The erstwhile ambassador said in spite of the challenging moments in the land, the youth, which forms the bulk of the population, could creatively devise income generation models.

He said: “About 20 per cent of the more than 1.3 billion Africans are in Nigeria. This is the only country where you can reach the optimum but it depends on you. The market is here. If you get one per cent of that number, it creates for you an opportunity to make money.

“A lot of Nigerians want to do great things but they have no money. This company gives you the opportunity for capital generation. Small things can change your life and turn your fortunes right. Nigerians should learn to build relationships. You need leverage as you move on in the business. With leverage, a small person can lift a big person. You must build leverage from relationships.

“A lot of Nigerians complain. We grumble about Buhari not doing well. We complain about Governor Seyi Makinde not tarring the roads to our houses. But, we should take opportunities on our own to grow. It will be out of your hands.”

He added that, on the other hand, it is the responsibility of the government at all levels to provide security, infrastructure and an enabling environment for the citizens to harness their talents and thrive in their various endeavours.

The Country Manager, RF3, Mr Lawrence Adelekan, who reiterated the need for citizens to be resolute in their pursuit for survival, said, “Africa has about 1.3 billion people. If we ensure that we take the lead, there is a lot for us to achieve. What we are doing is not curing but about wellness.”

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resource in Oyo State, Seun Ashamu, who represented Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, said, “I am quite pleased that this event is holding in my home state. This administration is doing everything possible to create an enabling environment. We definitely encourage residents to do business in Oyo State. Our efforts begin with having infrastructure.

“Part of our efforts is the provision of 250 kilometres public light project in Oyo State. We need to make progress. I encourage us all to take our lives in our hands.”

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