Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says his administration has in less than nine months recorded positive accomplishments in various sectors.
He stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2024 first plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, who represented President Tinubu, said “The following represent the synopsis of a few of these accomplishments: (i) Agriculture and Industrial Development: (a) Increase in supply of subsidized fertilizer (b) Supply of farm inputs such as seedlings and implements (c) Expansion of investment in agricultural irrigation to increase food production,
(d) Establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres by NASENI (e) Strengthening of MSME Development Fund and the Bank of Industry (801)”
Food Security
The President said his administration announced “(a) Declaration of State of Emergency on Food scarcity, (b) Set up intervention on food security, food pricing, and sustainability, (c) Checkmating the activities of saboteurs hoarding palliatives, smugglers of food, and other commodities”.
On the Health Sector, he listed the following achievements: “Resolved the perennial crisis of the health sector workers, (b) Signed the health renewal compact with subnational entities and development partners.”
The President stated tbat his administration has been deliberate on issues of National Security were it has “Reformed the security architecture, (b) Procured advanced weaponry and systems for the Armed Forces, Escalated the intelligence based security management to higher levels, Increased Kinetic engagements with bandits and insurgents, Clear and concise instructions to service Chiefs and field commanders in all security operations amongstothers”.
According to President Tinubu, “the season of Lent is an apt time to host this critical meeting as it is a period of profound reflection, prayer, fasting, and charitable giving which coincides with a challenging period of economic hardship in our nation which we are working to reverse as mentioned above While bold economic reforms have been undertaken by this administration, resulting in short-term hardships, they are borne out of a deep-seated commitment to Nigeria’s long- term prosperity and stability.This administration inherited a daunting economic landscape, necessitating decisive action to alter our nation’s dawnward trajectory. With unwavering dedication, we are striving tewards a prosperous, healthy, and globally competitive Nigeria. Given the critical situation, now more than ever before, we must remain steadfast, renewing our faith in God’s provision and protection. “
He noted that amidst adversity, “we must remain resolute, renewing faith in God’s providence and walking in love as we support one another. This administration is steadfast in its resolve to enhance security, bolster the economy, and create opportunities for all Nigerians. We acknowledge the various hardships affecting nations across the world precipitated and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the escalating cost of living crisis. However, we draw strength from our collective hope and diligent efforts of the government private sector, religious organisations, and others, trusting that through God’s grace, better days lie ahead. As spiritual leaders, My Lord Bishops, we rely on your unwavering encouragement to the Nigerian populace. Your commitment to upholding integrity, offering sound counsel, and fostering constructive dialogue is deeply appreciated by the government. The Church’s engagement with Nigerians on matters of faith enriches our responsiveness and strengthens our national fabric. Both church and government are aligned in our shared commitment of a brighter future for all Nigerians. Through strategic policies, well thought out initiatives and investments, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration aims to drive economic transformation, ensure security, enhance food production, harness natural resources, develop critical infrastructure, improve social services, foster economic diversification, and enhance governance efficiency”.
He added that these efforts are geared towards building a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Nigeria for all.
“Although the economic hardship and security challenges may seem daunting, let us continue to encourage one another in the Lord and pray without ceasing. Likewise, let us remember Galatians 6:9, which reminds us, “not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” He said
President Bola Tinubu noted that the Nigerian government regards the Catholic Church as a cherished partner, recognizing its invaluable contributions to the nation’s well-being.
He described the Church as an indispensable pillar of faith, stability, and progress in the nation, saying it has played a pivotal role in shaping the moral fabric of our society and nurturing Christian leaders across all fields and sectors whose principles are deeply rooted in Christianity throughout history.
The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, who described the presence of the faithful as impressive said the event is coming in the heels of the Lenten also called on all well meaning Nigerians to be generous to the less privileged amidst the current economic challenges.“We find ourselves amid many wonderful, honest, God-fearing and truly patriotic countrymen who are giving their best to make Nigeria a better place. But we find ourselves also threatened by counter forces of armed robbers, kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and now hoarders, economic manipulators and currency speculators who are determined to make our lives a living hell on account of their crave for immoral profit. On top of what is already a bad situation, hunger, poverty, and inflation seem to have conspired to bring death so near to our doorsteps. “
The chief Sheppard of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese noted that “Lent draws our attention to true religion which goes beyond mere prayers and fasting but as James 1:27 teaches, pure religion should lead us to concretely support the orphans, widows, Internally Displaced Persons, unemployed youths and many others in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world”.
Also speaking, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, stressed the need to revamp the economy and foster national development. “In withdrawing the “fuel subsidy”, the government assured Nigerians it would save a lot of money to be injected into other national development sectors. Rather than give evidence of money so far saved from the withdrawal of subsidies for which Nigerians are being afflicted with untold hardship. The government does not need to reinvent the wheel since it can easily learn from what other nations do to provide adequate security for its citizens. It goes without saying that there can not be any meaningful development in any country without adequate security”.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria is the umbrella body of the Catholic bishops in Nigeria.
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