Tai Solarin, Soyinka influenced my dressing – Dalung
By; Elekwachi Chinedum, Abuja.
Minister of Youth and Sports Barr. Solomon Dalung said the decision to dress simply in uniform fatigue was taken long time ago after a deep reflection, ever before being appointed as Minister; describing it as self sacrifice on his part to identify with the poor masses of Nigeria.
He also disclosed that the decision is influenced by exemplary lives of great African crusaders for social justice and people’s emancipation like Thomas Sankara, Tai Solarin and Wole Soyinka; the Nobel Laureate.
Dalung made the clarification while receiving members of Course 2001 of the Law School Alumni Association who called to pay him a courtesy call in his office.
The Minister also disclosed that many powerful people tried to block his appointment to no avail because they see the elevation of someone of humble birth like himself as a threat; but the President stood his ground.
He said by fishing out people he believed have capacity to deliver, President Buhari is evolving a paradigm shift for Nigeria that places high premium on merit and accountability above primordial tendencies.
Dalung also used the occasion to explain that most people don’t appreciate the dire situation the country was in when the present administration took over saying the treasury was virtually empty, a situation he can attest to personally as a member of the Transitional Committee.
He further explained that with the unrelenting war against corruption and the implementation of the Single Treasury Account, loopholes for wastes and grafts are effectively being blocked; and assured that the blockage will ensure adequate funding of the 2016 Budget and subsequent implementation of APC programmes and policies that will impact positively on the lives of the people.
Dalung expressed appreciation to the members for their visit and enjoined them to feel free at anytime, to offer useful suggestions that is capable of moving the country forward.
