By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has said the President Bola Tinubu’s current reforms in the country are necessary to reposition the country for economic growth.

Hamzat therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country as it goes through a transformative period.

The deputy governor who stated this at a special prayer session organised by the state government to mark his 60th birthday at Community Central Mosque, Alausa, on Thursday, urged Nigerians to be patient with the President Tinubu led administration that has taken bold steps to embark on holistic economic reforms to revamp the economy.

Hamzat urged Nigerians to expect the gains from the current pains and ensure that the country does not disintegrate.

He likened the challenging time that Nigeria is presently going through to undergoing a surgery and that once the process is complete, Nigeria will emerge stronger and better for everyone.

“This is a challenging time that Nigeria is currently passing through. It can be likened to a patient undergoing surgery which may be painful but, immediately the process is complete and the patient got healed, he or she will walk again.

“In the same vein Nigeria after the ongoing social economic reform will emerge stronger and better for everyone.”

While stressing the need to continuously pray for the nation and leaders, Hamzat stressed that “if the nation is not at peace, what then will happen to the over 200 hundred million citizens or where do you want them to go?”

Speaking further he noted that seeking national development goes beyond its citizens going on social media to criticize, but it should be a collaborative effort because it is not an easy task to rule a country with several complexities like Nigeria.

Hamzat therefore urged Nigerians to keep praying for the nation saying, “Please, let us keep praying for Nigeria. We need to pray for all our leaders, from our president to the Governors, and others.”

Speaking on the current situation of the country, he stated that Nigerians need to be patient with the current administration, adding that “there is inflation and struggles in the country, but this experiences are not limited to Nigeria, since it is a global issue with varied degree.”

He commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his,’’ dedication to the state, brotherliness, thoroughness and passion for the job.

“Just about two days ago, Mr. Governor was still telling me that Femi, that fourth Mainland Bridge project must be done. The passion he brings to the jobs, to the state is uncommon.”

Hamzat explained that the passion and hard work has seen the Lagos State, a sub-national government executing big projects like the rail line projects only done by national governments.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the prayer session attended by political bigwigs, traditional rulers, frontline clergymen and members of the state’s executive council, paid glowing tributes to his deputy and described Hamzat as a very hard working, dependable and loyal deputy.

He said contrary to belief in some quarters that they will not be able to work together, they have both worked perfectly together to transform the state without rancor.

Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat’s administrative acumen, erudition and dint of hard work had been noticed by all and sundry including his colleague governors, saying the bond between him and his deputy had transcended the current offices they occupy.