By Lukman Olabiyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, stated that his administration was aware of the hardship in the country, but urged citizens to keep hope alive.
He assured that Nigeria is in good hands and his team was working hard to give the best economy and opportunity to Nigerians.
The president, however, described the job as ‘monumental,’ saying it is not a one-man job, but a collective effort. He urged state and local governments to join him by focusing on agriculture and education to fight poverty and terrorism.
He stated this during the reception organised by the Lagos State Government to welcome him for Christmas and New Year vacation. He implored Nigerians to continue to be steadfast, saying soon the storm would be over.
“Nigeria is challenged. It has always been, but we will go through it. We are already seeing our plans blossom. A lot of changes that will transform this economy, and financial re-engineering of our country is ongoing.
“It cannot just be pushed out in a way that you can command and conjure a situation, but we are determined to take Nigeria through the tunnel; the tunnel of hope, stability and successful economic prosperity. We are doing that.
“Nigeria is in good hands. The team is working. Wale Edun is structurally reliable, brilliant and committed to a financial re-engineering. You have a team like Atiku Bagudu; you have Cardoso in CBN, and many other members of the financial team.
“We have to take the baby steps so that you don’t break your bones. We are working hard and I am sure the results will manifest for the goodness of our country.
“We recognise the hardship that people are going through. When mothers are in labour, they go through very excruciating pains, but when they hear the noise of the baby after the baby is born, that relief is achieved. They forget the agony of pains. They cherish the smile and the voice of the baby. That is what Nigeria will be, I assure you. We will work hard to give you the best economy and opportunities you can imagine,” the president said.
He commended the state governor, his deputy and the speaker of the state House of Assembly for good leadership.
Tinubu said: “Let me say to the Governor, I listened carefully to you. I thank you and the deputy governor and the speaker for holding forth strongly and committing yourself to the value that you cherish together.
“The result oriented approach in a team will turn the ship around from cascading onto turbulent and make it steady
“Lagos was not easy for many of you, but you went through it, and today, Lagos State is the most viable state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We went through the abuse for the initial time. What are they doing? They cannot even clear refuse when we came in, but Lagos has survived and will continue on the path of glory.”
Speaking on constitutional amendment, the president said his administration had done the needful by handing it over to the National Assembly.
He said his administration was taking holistic approach in addressing numerous challenges facing the country, especially on the issue of the school children and poverty ravaging the country.
Tinubu said very soon some of the strategies deployed in tackling the challenges, would start yielding result.
“There are some areas of our country that are suffering from devastation of hunger and lack of education, which is the proper tool to fight poverty.
“I want you to join the campaign to start the enrollment of our children in the school, giving food to our children in school regardless. We have to grow more at the local and state levels.
“I cannot go on reeling out programmes here, but school feeding is an attraction for enrollment for the poor pupils in classroom
“And to get them in the classroom is to reduce the propensity of poverty and terrorism; we need to fight it together,” he stated.
Governo Sanwo-Olu praised the president for the legacy he left behind in the state.
“You, as a governor remodeled, rebuilt and recreated the entire edifice that is hosting you today. You have come here once again as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your core constituencies are here to thank you and to wish you the very best of the season. This is your very first yuletide season as President of our great country. They have asked and you have graciously accepted that they come here to receive you.
“We have our traditional rulers, members of the national assembly and the state assembly, and Lagos cabinet members, these are your very best.
“We know that we are going through tough time. We have said that it’s not peculiar to our country, there has been global challenges and shakeups everywhere and problems in different parts of the world.
“You came and from the very first day, you hit the ground running and have not looked back. You have shown the audacity of hope, the audacity of the belief of your resolve to take Nigeria to another levels.
“We are solidly behind you. We are proud of the reforms you have started and we are proud of the things that you are doing in the country and your engagement at the international arena.”