Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism, and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
He affirmed that the administration is actively implementing programs and policies designed to empower Nigerians to combat these challenges effectively.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70th Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, President Tinubu asserted the need for bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for Nigerians amidst prevalent economic and social disintegration.
The President acknowledged the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation, from preparing for food security crises to countering banditry attacks and addressing military coups’ repercussions.
“We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism. From preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups, this administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security.
“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms. To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” President Tinubu said.
He stressed the government’s determination to alleviate the hardships caused by removing fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates through tangible measures like reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries and distributing grains to vulnerable demographics.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also conveyed his greetings to President Tinubu and the Nigerian people on the 63rd independence anniversary.
He expressed optimism that democracy, as a system of government, would continue to strengthen in Nigeria.
“On the occasion of the nation’s independence anniversary, I send my warm greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria.
“For 63 years, Nigeria continues to inspire the rest of the continent with the creativity and diversity of its citizens and now, a long span of democratic rule. I am very optimistic that democracy as a system of government will continue to gain strength, year after year in our nation,” Buhari said.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated citizens on the Independence Anniversary, urging unity and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we reminiscence on our 63 years as a country it is tempting to allow present economic and security considerations becloud the triumphs of our nationhood,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative frameworks to advance the nation.
Additionally, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, called on Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s triumphs and remain resolute in promoting national unity.
He urged support for President Tinubu’s policies, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
In his Independence Day message, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen congratulated Nigerians and urged citizens to keep hope alive, stressing the nation’s potential to reclaim its leadership position despite challenges.
On the issue of the planned nationwide indefinite strike by organized labour over welfare concerns, Speaker Abbas called for cooperation and dialogue between labour unions and the government to resolve the issues amicably, asserting that the strike would aggravate the situation.
