President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria must address the issue of out-of-school children by establishing more schools, recruiting more teachers, and providing at least one meal a day for the school children.
The president says this aligns with the progressive ideology his administration seeks to pursue.
President Tinubu stated this when he received the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday in Lagos State.
He said democracy must be progressive and inclusive, with a primary focus on addressing poverty through the provision of job opportunities for youths and quality education for all Nigerian children.
(According to a UNICEF report, one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria.)
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) December 28, 2023
National Institute of Progressive Studies
The Nigerian leader expressed support for the establishment of the National Institute of Progressive Studies by the APC.
President Tinubu stated that the institute is expected to conduct diligent research and educate all party members on the principles of democracy and good governance while providing a distinct identity for the party.
“Democracy has faced challenges in the past, but I believe in a promising future for our country. We will deliver it. I am committed to supporting a strong and ideologically-determined democracy that is progressive, inclusive, and focused on eliminating poverty while providing quality education for our children.
“Collaboration with various government arms is crucial, and I commend the leadership of our party for working hard to promote these essential ideals,” he stated.
President Tinubu asked the leadership of the party to target more youths and women in its e-registration and digital membership validation exercise scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
“I stand solidly with you in the advancement of the progressive ideological stance of our party, and we will pursue it with vigour,” he stated.
President Tinubu appreciated members of the party for the overwhelming show of support to him during the campaigns, the electoral victory, and the affirmation of his presidency by the Supreme Court.
“It has been a while since we have had the opportunity to come together, especially since the Supreme Court ruling. I had hoped for a gathering, but the demanding tasks of my office that we fought for have called for increased focus, dedication, and time,” the president said.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, told the president that plans are being put in place by the National Working Committee to ensure the success of the party in the coming bye-elections into national and state legislative houses in February 2024.
“We assure Your Excellency that under our leadership and with your consent, strategies have been put in place to win the support of our people and secure all the seats available for the electoral contest,” Dr. Ganduje said.
