President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his administration’s goal
of building an inclusive, secured and prosperous Nigeria is achievable
in the next four years.
Speaking when he received a delegation from Nasarawa State, led by
Gov. Abdullahi Sule, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari said his
administration remains committed to the Change Agenda.
He, however, stressed the need for states and local governments as
well as traditional and religious leaders to partner with the Federal
Government in achieving success, NAN reports.
According to Buhari: “In the next four years, I want to assure you
that we will remain committed to the change agenda. Our goal of building
an inclusive, secure and prosperous Nigeria is achievable.
“However, the federal government cannot do it alone. We need the full
cooperation and support of states, local governments as well as
traditional and religious leaders.
“I must commend you the Nasarawa elders and leaders for maintaining
peace within the state. In the last four years, you collectively put
aside your political, religious and ethnic differences for the interest
of stability and prosperity.
“You must continue to preach peace and understanding in your various communities,’’ he said.
The president, who noted that the responsibility of governance was
enormous, pledged that his administration would continue to pay greater
attention towards enhancing security, inclusive economic empowerment and
fighting corruption.
“In all these areas we have made progress despite the significant challenges we faced,’’ he said.
On the incessant conflicts between herders and farmers, the president
said his administration was determined to finding a lasting solution to
the conflict.
“I implore all leaders of opinion to help maintain peace while we are putting in place policies and permanent solutions.
“Just last week, I inaugurated the national economic council during
that meeting, I emphasized the need to invest in education, primary
health care, agriculture and security as foundations for sustainable
progress.
“I want to use this forum to again soliciting the support of all
states to align with those four pillars. We must all have a collective
vision for sustainable development.”
Buhari, who noted with delight that the federal government’s projects
in Nasarawa state have been impacting positively on citizens of the
state, thanked the state government for proposing to name an academic
institution after him in the state.
He, however, said: “I will make consultations and revert to you in due course.”
While congratulating the state governor, deputy governor and all the
newly elected officials from Nasarawa state on their recent electoral
victory in the polls, the president commended the immediate past
governor of the state, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, for his steadfastness,
commitment and the enormous hard work in the state.
“I wish him (Al-Makura) well in his new assignment,’’ he added.
The state governor had earlier expressed appreciation to the Buhari
administration for executing people-oriented programmes and projects in
Nasarawa state.
Sule said: “Let me express our most profound appreciation to your
administration for executing landmark projects in Nasarawa state.
“These projects include the dualization of
Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road and the 330 KV and 132 KV power
distribution injection transmission stations.
“Others are the federal government prototype housing estate at Akruba
near Lafia and the takeover of the Farin Ruwa hydro power project,
which is going to generate about 20 Megawatts of power among others
geared towards the growth and development of Nasarawa state and the
nation.
“This is the first time Nasarawa state is lucky to benefit from the
benevolence of the federal government by way of sighting projects and
programmes very dear to the survival of our people.
“We feel highly recognised, appreciated and no doubt, given the sense of belonging.’’
He also lauded the President for appointing indigenes of the State
into key positions, like the Inspector General of Police and the
Director General of the National Youth Service corps (NYSC).
He, therefore pledged the continued support of the people of the state to the Buhari-led administration.