A former secretary to Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze, has called on the people of Anambra State to take time out to reflect on the good fortune of beholding one another in the New Year even while recognising the shortcomings of the past year, saying that the way to an improved economy is through a better management of the country’s resources.

Addressing journalists in Awka, Obaze said that “as a people and nation, we remain cognizant of the prevailing challenges and unmet needs that abound at the federal, state and local government levels.”

He said: “In our dear Anambra State, while we acknowledge the progress of the recent years, we remain convinced that we can do far better; and that we must therefore strive to do better.

“Nigerians and our leaders cannot be oblivious to the fact that Nigerians are suffering.”

Obaze noted that hunger and recession are not dividends of democracy, just as alienation and disenfranchisement are not dividends of democracy.

He called on leaders at all level to strive to manage the nation’s resources better, cut the cost of governance and improve our hard and soft infrastructure.

He added: “Our development stride must be holistic. As 2017 commences, we can add value to our humanity, fate and wellbeing by the choices, chances and changes we make in the days, months and years ahead.

“We need, however, to remain proactive and arise to each occasion in full confidence of God’s blessings and grace. May we all be rewarded with a providential 2017.”

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