The outgoing Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin
Uhomoibhi, said on Thursday that Nigeria’s
economic growth rate had been steady despite
the insurgency.
Uhomoibhi said this in an interview on the
side line of an event organised in his honour
by the African Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
He commended the efforts of the military to
curb the spread of terrorism in the country.
``Terrorism is a challenge, it’s not a Nigerian
problem, it’s a global challenge but Nigeria is
attacking it from a uniquely Nigerian
perspective.
``We are pursuing a whole of government
approach using what we call `the carrot and
stick approach’ to deal with it and I bet you,
evil can never overcome good.
``The sheer size and the determination of
the Nigerian people, the commitment of our
leaders to that target is unmistakable and we
will, with the collaboration and support of the
world, deal with terrorism.
``If you look at the history all over the world
what is happening is not new.
``It is naïve to think that terrorism can be
dealt with in 24 hours; Nigeria is dealing with
it in our development strategy.
``Nigeria is achieving 7.4 per cent growth of
the GDP (Gross Domestic Products) every year
for six years consecutively in spite of
terrorism.
`` There is no nation on earth that has
battled terrorism and maintained a GDP
growth.
``Nigeria has emerged as the biggest
economy in the continent; emerged as the
second most entertaining industry in the
world.
``It is the latest kid on the block as one of
the most attractive investment destination in
the world.
``Look at what Nigeria is doing; rather than
what it is not doing. With this, terrorism will
pass.”
He also called urged Nigerians not to relent
in the fight against terrorism.
On his legacies, Uhomoibhi said there were
measures in place to ensure ``a core of
officers who can lead the ministry in the next
10 years”.
He said serving in the ministry had made
him part of a process of ``contributing
meaningfully to the growth of the country” by
creating training programmes for mid-level
career diplomats.
``We train the minds of these young people
to let them know what is dear to our country;
how to treasure what we have; to learn to
respect themselves and others; learn to
produce, and achieve great heights in
whatever assignments they are given to fulfil.
Also speaking, Amb. Marie-Louise Kombe,
Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of
Congo to Nigeria, commended the support
Uhomoibhi had given the diplomatic
community in Nigeria.
``His door was always open and he always
had a solution; he has made our stay here
very easy.
``He has played a vital role in facilitating the
relations we all share; he will be missed.”
Source daily times.
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