At the opening of the 2023 induction for re-elected and elected governors themed “Governing for Impact (Building Sub-National Governance)”, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, affirmed that despite the challenge of fiscal climate, the administration has built a solid foundation for a successful Nigeria as it ends its regime in two weeks. Although everything that was planned was not achieved but the priority was placed on certain areas like infrastructure, strengthening of national Armed Forces and agriculture.
Focus on infrastructure was targeted towards improvement of access to markets, improvement of linkages and reduction of total supply chain costs. There was also commitments to infrastructural development for roads, airports, affordable housing, rails and ports. They were designed for the creation of better means of livelihood for Nigerians and access to jobs. Through these actions, the Buhari-led administration has been able to invest the wealth of the nation in every of its states, clearing the path for sustainable development.
Nigeria as a country with access to education, health & social services.
During the induction, the president urged governors to ensure delivery of campaign promises as election is over. He added that the result of the 2023 general election shows that refusal of a leader to deliver property means he will be voted out of office. The outcome of the general election showed that electorates are becoming mature as people increasingly find their voices. He appealed to the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to ensure promotion of ideas that will tackle current challenges of democracy and governance in the country.
Socio-economic development in the country critically requires the impacts of the sub-nationals. Proximity to the people is equal to knowledge of their needs and challenges which will help the sub-nationals to come up with creative and judicious methods to tackle these myriad of issues. He also enjoined returning or incoming state executives to build unity across party divides and put the country first as citizens deserve peace, progress and security. A country where quality education, health and social services is accessible is what should be developed.
Industrialization is crucial to reducing poverty.
Buhari encouraged politicians to be prepared to work for the people as they take their oath of office on May 29. He asserted that democracy is neither an event nor an end state but a revolutionary process that helps its participants embark on a journey of self-actualization. This fosters constant review and improvement of critical element that ensures inclusive democratic process. He added that patience and tolerance is needed and usage of appropriate channels to seek redress in case of any unfair practices during the regime.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, in his welcome address, said to Incoming Governors-Elect, re-elected Governors and out going Governors that to ensure the prosperity and sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy there must be diversion from its dependence on exportation of raw materials like gold, oil and agricultural products. He added that achievements in industrialization to reduce poverty requires re-articulation of the national industrialization policy, improvement of power supply and development of human capital.
Recognized potentials of entrepreneur will drive wealth creation.
Addressing the topic of Task of Nation Building, Chairman of the Tony Elemelu Foundation, Tony Elemelu, encouraged governors to take youth participation seriously. He said this because he believes it is an efficient method of driving socioeconomic improvement in individual states and in the country at large. There should be recognition of the potentials of entrepreneur to foster youth engagement and creation of wealth in the country. The MD/CEO, Emmanuel Emefienim, Premium Trust Bank, alongside Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, told governors to increase internally generated revenues in individual states.
Related Link
Nigeria Governors’ Forum: Website
