The Action Congress of Nigeria presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday assured Nigerians that there was hope for the country to overcome its multiple problems.

Ribadu gave the assurance in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen when he paid a condolence visit to Senator Bukola Saraki, on the death of his father, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

"I must say that there is hope for Nigeria to overcome its multiple challenges. Everybody is working tirelessly to revamp the country's political, socio-economic and security problems," he said.

He called for concerted efforts and prayers by Nigerians for peace and tranquility in the country.

"There is need for us all to rise up and ensure that security and other challenges facing the nation become things of the past.

"It is through collective efforts that we can achieve this goal," he said.

On his committee report, Ribadu said that the report would be implemented in order to re-shape the oil industry.

He said that the committee considered the interest of Nigerians and the nation while writing the report.

He described late Saraki as a philanthropist whose passion was to ensure the well-being of his people.

He urged the children of the deceased to emulate the good deeds of their father and uplift the welfare of their people.

In a related development, Igbo residents in Ilorin, Kwara State will hold a special prayer session for the late Saraki on November 22.

This was contained in a statement issued by the President-General, Igbo Community Association in Kwara, Sir Truelove Njoku.

The statement directed Igbos in the 16 local government areas of the state to shut their shops between 6 a.m. till noon on November 22.

"This is to enable us to stay at home and pray for the repose of the soul of this great and compassionate man, and as a mark of respect.

"The late Saraki was a detribalised man and accommodated everybody in the state," the statement said.