May 29: FG directs ministers, others on low-key anniversary celebrations

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• Says tackling insecurity remains top priority

BY GODWIN OBI

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), George Akume, has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s first year celebration will be low-key.

Akume revealed that the anniversary will be commemorated through a series of sectorial briefings by various ministries, which will commence today.

He said the purpose of the briefings is to keep Nigerians informed about the administration’s achievements, challenges encountered, and the solutions being implemented.

According to him, addressing insecurity challenges in the country remains top priority for the Tinubu’s administration hence the improved provisions of resources to tackle the menander.

Akume said: “This event offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the journey we embarked upon about a year ago and to share the remarkable progress made under the president’s visionary leadership. The objective is to acquaint the good people of our nation on the strides taken within the first year of the present administration.

“Essentially, this event is purposed to render accountability to Nigerians by promoting the accomplishments of the present administration within its first year in office and to reassure our citizens that government shall remain focused and committed to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for positive impact on the socio-economic life of Nigerians,” he said.

The SGF recalled President Bola Tinubu’ declaration of his unwavering commitment to “…unleashing our country’s full economic potential, by focusing on job creation, access to capital for small and large businesses, inclusiveness, the rule of law, and the fight against hunger, poverty and corruption,” for the good of the people.

Akume, who appealed to the media for cooperation, said it is imperative that the public is made aware of such commitment as well as the programmes and projects being pursued by government. Government is also poised to unveil measures being taken to positively change the trajectory of the current Nigerian economy

The SG, who described the first year of the current administration as a testament of sorts, said it goes to show the unwavering commitment and resilience of the administration towards serving the Nigerian people with diligence, integrity and dedication.

He said despite the daunting challenges from all angles, President Tinubu has maintained his calm and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding the nation with vision and foresight.

He noted that the Tinubu’s administration initiated an ambitious agenda centred on economic revitalisation, social inclusion, and infrastructure development. He added that the government has implemented key economic reforms to stabilise the economy, attract foreign investments, reduce inflation, and enhance job creation.

He added that Tinubu’s dedication to infrastructure improvement is demonstrated through the completion and progress of various projects, including road networks, rail systems, and port modernisation crucial for trade and connectivity.

Akume noted that the Tinubu administration, recognising the importance of human capital development, has made substantial investments in healthcare and education.

“The launch of new healthcare facilities and the upgrade of existing ones, along with reforms in our educational system, underscores government’s dedication to the well-being and future of our citizens,” he said.

Akume said ensuring national safety and security remains a top priority. To achieve this, he said the government has strengthened security infrastructure, enhanced intelligence gathering, and promoted interagency collaboration to address the country’s complex security challenges.

“More importantly, ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians remains a top priority of government. It has, therefore, strengthened our security apparatus, enhanced intelligence gathering, and fostered greater collaboration among security agencies to address the multifaceted challenges of security across the country.

“This administration has also rolled out several social intervention programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering the vulnerable segments of our society. These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skill acquisition opportunities, and improved access to essential services.

“I make bold to say that Nigeria, under its present stewardship, has witnessed significant policy strides in various sectors, including but not limited to: the presidential accent to the 2023 Electricity Bill, a move that dismantled monopolistic control over electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and granted authority to state governments, corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit electricity, thus decentralising the power sector; accent to the passage into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 that established a legal framework for safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection practices in Nigeria; and the challenging but very necessary removal of fuel subsidy, a longstanding policy notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefitting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the populace.

“It is apt to say, that under President Tinubu’s stewardship within his first year in office, we have witnessed significant strides in various sectors of our economy. Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth. The administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“Furthermore, government’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law has strengthened our democratic institutions and enhanced transparency and accountability in governance. His unwavering resolve to combat corruption and promote ethical leadership has earned the admiration and support of the Nigerian people.

“We are, therefore, gathered here today to bring to the populace a report of stewardship within the year, including the challenges encountered and the implementable solutions engendered to upgrade the prospects of actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is, however, instructive to note, that the act of nation building is not for the government alone, it is a collective responsibility and commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. Let us, therefore, rededicate ourselves to the ideals of unity, peace and progress by working together towards realising the full potential of our great nation.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, who is also the Chairman of Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the IMC, Mohammed Idris, said the briefings are designed to set the tone for the upcoming sectoral presentations.

He said the decision to opt for a low-key celebration and focus on sectorial briefings reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By providing detailed information on the progress made in various sectors, the government, he said aims to engage with the Nigerian people and demonstrate its dedication to addressing the nation’s pressing issues.

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