By Olubunmi Omoogun – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has thanked the National Assembly members and Nigerians in general, for their efforts and sacrifices in building and sustaining the country’s democratic institutions.
The Nigerian President said this during his visit to the National Assembly complex, Abuja where he also attended the joint commemorative sitting of the National Assembly members, on Wednesday, May 29th 2024.
The President who also inaugurated the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, which is named in his honour, said that he was at the National Assembly as a mark of respect, and to congratulate the legislators and Nigerians on the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy.
He extended his gratitude to the lawmakers and acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices made to build and sustain the country’s democratic institutions.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian I say congratulations on 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I have come to say thank you very much for building up this institution to this level. You are the foremost leaders who speak for our people and have been at the forefront of this struggle,”
Referring to the chamber as “hallowed chamber” that embodies the nation’s consciousness for freedom and solidarity, the former Senator and former governor of Lagos State noted that, without this House, I probably would not have found a path to the presidency, I started it all from here. That is why I have given that respect to you this morning to continue to collaborate with you to build our country together. We have no other choice. No other institution or personality will help us, except we do it ourselves for ourselves.
“No amount of aid from foreign countries can help us. Let us work together to build our nation, charting a new path”.
President Tinubu, who had signed the National Anthem Bill, 2024, into law at the Presidential Villa last week said, “You sang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all people and how we pledge together to be brothers and sisters”.
“We must nurture our democracy so that our children and great grandchildren will be assured of prosperity, progress, and development,”.
While addressing the joint sitting of the National Assembly members, where both Senators and House of Representatives members sat together in the House of Representatives’ ‘Green Chamber’ because it has a larger sitting space that can accommodate every member, than the Senate chamber, President Tinubu highlighted his programmes step by step to further demonstrate his commitment to addressing the mounting socio-economic challenges in the country today.
Economic Rebirth: Facing economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, President Tinubu implemented bold reforms to stabilise the economy. The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation by 50% and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.
Strengthening National Security: President Tinubu has prioritised national security, leading to significant investments in modernising and equipping the nation’s security forces. Over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists and bandits arrested. Establishing the N50 billion Pulako Initiative and annually recruiting 30,000 new police personnel further underscore the administration’s commitment to a safer Nigeria.
Boosting Agriculture and Food Security: To tackle food security, the administration declared a state of emergency and launched the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion. Initiatives like the Dry Season Farming Initiative and the Green Imperative Programme aim to promote year-round farming and provide farmers with access to modern equipment and low-interest loans, ensuring a stable food supply.
Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources: The Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on developing renewable energy sources and enhancing the efficiency of the oil and gas sector. Policy directives have improved the investment climate, increased crude oil and NLNG production, and initiated significant projects like rehabilitating the Port Harcourt refinery and constructing the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano Gas Pipeline.
Transforming Infrastructure and Transportation: Significant investments in infrastructure are underway, including operationalising the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and constructing the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway. The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund aims to raise N20 trillion to deliver critical projects and modernise ports and aviation facilities, creating an enabling environment for businesses.
Improving Education, Health, and Social Investment: The administration is expanding primary health centres and upgrading tertiary hospitals, ensuring better access to healthcare. The Student Loans Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund highlight a commitment to broadening access to education. Social welfare schemes, including cash transfers and microcredit programmes, aim to uplift vulnerable households and support small businesses.
Accelerated Diversification through Youth-Driven Industrialization, Digitization, and Innovation: Recognising the youth as invaluable assets, the administration has launched initiatives like the Three Million Technical Talent Initiative and the iDICE Programme to empower young Nigerians with digital skills. The National Job Centre and the National Talent Programme aim to create employment opportunities and support youth-owned enterprises.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio said the President’s visit was out of respect for the National Assembly.
”Before you arrived, Mr. President, the Speaker and I had explained to the lawmakers that this visit is what is called ‘waka pass’ in Nollywood.
”You intend to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honour and respect for the National Assembly you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary,”.
On Nigeria reverting to the old national anthem, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akpabio commended the President for taking the nation back to its roots, he said, ‘‘Though we may belong to different tribes, though we have different tongues, in brotherhood we stand.’’
”There is no more fitting place to take us back to our genealogy other than the National Assembly, which is made up of patriotic and elected citizens of Nigeria. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria, so we welcome you to the National Assembly”.
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