ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration’s reforms are beginning to bear fruit.
He said this in his 64th Independence Anniversary speech, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, while addressing the nation on the pressing issues of economic hardship, national security, and youth empowerment.
President Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are facing, particularly the rising cost of living and unemployment, but urged patience, noting that the government’s reforms are showing early signs of success.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of citizens.
“As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel”, he said.
One of the key announcements made during his address was the introduction of a 30-day National Youth Confab, which will serve as a platform to discuss education, employment, innovation, and social justice.
Recognizing that over 60 per cent of the population is made up of young people, the president emphasized the importance of including their voices in shaping policies for the future.
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“Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.
“It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.
“The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.
“The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations.”
On the issue of national security, President Tinubu reported significant progress, stating that the government has eliminated over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders within the past year.
He further assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to restore peace to troubled regions, particularly in the North, to enable displaced citizens to return to their homes and boost food production.
Tinubu said, “On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.
“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.”
The President also spoke about ongoing economic reforms, including efforts to attract foreign investments and stabilize the nation’s foreign reserves.
Tinubu highlighted that over $30 billion in foreign investments have been secured, and new fiscal policies are being introduced to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
“The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.
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“Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year“, he added.
To address rising food costs, he said that the government is investing in mechanized farming and expanding agricultural programs in several states, while also rolling out new initiatives in the energy sector to reduce transportation costs through the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for mass transit.
He added, “I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme.
“I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available.”
In conclusion, president Tinubu expressed hope for a brighter future, urging all Nigerians to work together towards building a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
He also assured that his administration remains focused on creating opportunities for all citizens, especially the youth, to foster national unity and social cohesion.