President Bola Tinubu underscored that Nigerians are not singular in grappling with poverty on a global scale.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 18 by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu made these remarks in Lagos while receiving a delegation from the National Assembly who had come to extend their good wishes on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Acknowledging the existence of poverty and hardship in the country, Tinubu stressed the necessity of addressing these challenges.
The delegation, led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, included the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, among others.
One of the strategies he proposed for addressing these issues is the eradication of banditry and terrorism to enable farmers to resume agricultural activities.
He emphasized the need for a transformation in the value system of Nigerians to propel the nation towards progress.
“While poverty and suffering persist in the nation, we are not alone in facing such adversities. However, we must confront our challenges head-on.
“We must devise means to eradicate banditry and terrorism so that farmers can harvest produce from their farmlands.
“Without efficient transportation networks to distribute food supplies to the populace, the nation will bear the brunt of substantial losses in agricultural yield,” the president articulated.
He urged citizens to adopt a new perspective towards Nigeria in order to surmount prevailing obstacles.
“The imperative of transitioning from a rent-seeking mentality to a more productive role in the economy is paramount. The need to curb smuggling and economic subversion is crucial.
“Why do we tolerate individuals vandalizing rail infrastructure, pilfering electric cables, and undermining the economy?
“We must champion the movement to reform our value system. We must impress upon our people that the resolution of our challenges hinges on a collective shift in our national mindset,” Tinubu emphasized.
The president also lauded the leadership of the National Assembly for their support, which he attributed to the significant progress made by his administration.
“I am immensely proud to have the National Assembly as our foremost partners. We must delve deeper and embrace inclusivity in our quest to meet the needs of our citizens.
“Though formidable, we cannot evade the reality that our nation must overcome these adversities,” he affirmed.
Acknowledging the hurdles and responsibilities ahead, the president reassured the nation of his resolute commitment to effect positive change.
