• Says few living patriots can match Tinubu’s achievement
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to expect more pragmatic actions in the next few months to improve the nation’s economy and boost their living conditions.
Buhari said this yesterday at the 8th Annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, as part of activities to mark his 64th birthday.
The colloquium had the theme: Agriculture: Action, work, revolution.
President Buhari told his audience that his government’s desire was to invest heavily in human capital development in order to reduce high level poverty in the country.
“In the coming months, Nigerians will see much more actions. Government will continue to invest substantially in human capital development and this is just the beginning…”
The president, who seized the opportunity to woo more companies willing to invest in the country said, “we are going to hold ourselves accountable. We will measure results. There will always be some scepticism, some have even become disorientated and impatient enough to think that barriers are insurmountable. Anyone who claims great change is impossible can only look as an ordinary success.”
The president also eulogised Tinubu, whom he noted possesses some unique qualities that have contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria.
“There are very few patriots alive today that can match the commitment, zealous, creativity that Bola Tinubu has demonstrated in his contribution to national growth,” he said.
He commended the organizers of the colloquium and the choice of the theme of the event which focused on improving agriculture.
“We intend to organise an efficient market infrastructure that will make agriculture viable for investors.
“We intend to also ensure that the market is fair and worth to transform small holder farmers from beggars to businessmen.
“Furthermore, we are going to keep focusing on improved nutrition for children. We know the effects of hunger and poor nutrition can last a life time. Children are thrown out of school to earn a living,” the President said.
Some notable personalities at the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, wife of the celebrant, Senator Remi Tinubu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, state governors of Zamfara – Abdulaziz Yari, Osun – Rauf Aregbesola, Ogun – Ibikunle Amosun, Kebbi – Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Adamawa- Bindow, Cross River – Ben Ayade, Bauchi – Muhammed Abubakar, Lagos – Ambode Akinwunmi, Kaduna – Nasir el-Rufai, Oyo – Abiola Ajimobi,
Also at the event were the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Smart Adeyemi, cabinet members and other top government officials.