• Says nation’s democracy will be nurtured to discourage coupists in Africa
President Bola Tinubu yesterday sought the prayers and support of Nigerians towards the efforts of his administration to revive the ailing economy of the nation and bring about the good old days when the naira was at par with the dollar and other western currencies.
He stressed that his government has embarked on a journey of rebuilding and reviving the nation, and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
Tinubu stated this while delivering his speech at the 47th Convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the President said his administration places much premium on education, adding that nothing would truncate the yearnings of Nigerian children to acquire quality education.
The President also called for the support of stakeholders to ensure that the nation’s nascent democracy is nurtured to discourage other countries in West Africa from planning coups.
Addressing the graduands, Tinubu said: “As this government embarks on a great journey of rebuilding the nation, reviving the economy, uniting the people and righting the wrongs of the past, we earnestly seek your prayers, support and cooperation in realising these objectives. And, by the grace of God, we shall sail the ship of this country to a safe harbour. Our nascent democracy deserves to be nurtured so that Nigeria will be a good example for discouragement to other coup-planning nations within the West African sub-region and the continent of Africa.”
The President added: “We are trying everything within our means to bring about the good old days when our currency was comfortably at par with its peers in the western nations. It is the determination of this government to revive our economy and ensure the security of lives and property. This means that the country and organisations that invest in education, research and innovation are more likely to succeed in the global market.
“We must continue to invest in education and research to ensure that our graduands remain competitive in the repetitively changing world. I want to assure you that our government will take a holistic approach towards strengthening the education system. We will invest more in education at all levels and take whole action in repositioning Nigeria to be more globally competitive. We will address some of the root causes of trade unions’ strikes and the universities and tertiary institutions’ attendant wanton waste of time. We have initiated students’ loans scheme and will ensure its effectiveness and efficiency.”
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the university, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, congratulated the graduating students, urging them to join in finding solutions to the challenges confronting the country.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adebayo Simeon, in his speech, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the power project of the institution is not abandoned.
THEGUARDIAN
