…Rolls out Activities for Another Low-Key Celebrations
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has said that it is ‘very much” aware of the harsh economic challenges being faced faced by Nigerians, adding that citizens should give up because the government is working tirelessly to cushion the effects and ensure a better future for all and sundry.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, stated this yesterday, in Abuja, at a World Press Conference to highlight activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary under the theme: ‘Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future’.
Akume, said the hardship was occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including the removal of fuel subsidy, a decision the administration had to take.
The government was working tirelessly
to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
According to him, “This Government of President Bola Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through.
“These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make.
“Notwithstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda”, the SGF said.
Policies and programmes were being implemented for long term solutions to the problems.
He also gave assurance that in no distant time, under the leadership of Tinubu, the trajectory of the socio-economic development would soar higher in the positive direction, he said.
Akume, also identified rising food prices as one of the major issues facing Nigerians, adding that government had drawn lessons from the current situation and had stepped up planning and prevention strategies.
“To bolster food security, availability and ensure affordability of food, government has removed tariffs on the importation of certain categories of food.
“In addition, government has distributed fertilisers, farm inputs and other critical items to boost food production”, he said.
Akume, pointed out that Nigeria can only be better through collective responsibility and sacrifices from every citizen.
While unveiling the 64th anniversary low-key programmes, the SGF listed features of the independence to include Special Juma’at prayer on Friday, Sept. 27 at National Mosque by 1:00 p. m., Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, Sept. 29 at National Christian Centre at 1:00 p. m.
Other programmes are Presidential Broadcast on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 a. m. and Independence Anniversary Parade at Presidential Villa on the same Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
The SGF however, salute the selflessness, sacrifices and immeasurable contributions of the nation’s founding fathers who fought for the attainment of this nation’s independence in 1960. Similarly, I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all past leaders of this country for laying the foundations on which this administration is building. Their vision and resilience helped Nigeria to navigate some of her most difficult phases and earned us respect among the comity of nations.
“As a nation, therefore, we must recognize with pride our journey to a stable, unbroken democratic sovereignty which has spanned twenty-five years since 1999. We must also recognise the resilience of Nigerians and their leading contributions to global development in different fields of endeavour.
“Like several other nations, we are currently grappling with diverse challenges but we remain resolute in our inalienable destiny to build a strong and proud country that works for the good of all citizens irrespective of status, tribe, religion and creed. Let me assure you that this administration shall remain committed to its promise of working sacrificially to deliver the dividends of democracy to every Nigerian citizen.
He, however, urged Nigerians not to give up on the government saying that Renewed Hope government is real.
“This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economic conditions we are passing through. These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make. Not withstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These Policies and Programmes are being implemented for long term solutions to these problems and I assure us all that in no distant time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trajectory of our socio-economic development would soar higher in the positive territory
“Also, I am counting on your unalloyed support to publicise the activities lined up to mark this year’s Independence Anniversary”, he stated.
Earlier, in his welcome address the Minister, Federal information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria, as a nation has demonstrated resilience, strength, capacity, and an unyielding spirit in the face of numerous and daunting challenges.
In this vein,, since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has evolved from a nation of hope and potential into a leading force on the African continent and a respected voice in the global community. We have faced numerous trials, from political upheavals to economic challenges, but each time, we have risen stronger through our shared unwavering vision of a united and prosperous country, Idris said.
“Our democracy, now unbroken for a quarter of a century, stands as a testament to the will of the Nigerian people to attain and sustain freedom and liberty for posterity. Despite some challenges, we have weathered the storm and remained committed to democratic values and showcasing the maturity of our political system.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we have initiated transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower in the near future. Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth”, he added.
He applauded the Nigerians for your patience and resilience in this very difficult period in the evolution of our economy. The journey has been tough but surely there is light at the end of the tunnel. “Our sacrifices will not be in vain”.
The press briefing was attended by the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun; Works, Senator Dave Umahi; Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev; Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Honourable Zaphaniah Jisalo among other top government functionaries as well as presidential aides.
