President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other religious leaders across the country to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members, and support government efforts to end insurgency.
President Tinubu made the call on Tuesday when he received the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House.
The President also assured Nigerians that the ongoing restructuring of the nation’s security operations and institutions will ultimately secure victory over terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
The Nigerian leader highlighted that the security challenges are being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare.
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In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. As our National Anthem reminds us, despite our diversity, we can live together in peace, prosper as one people and show goodwill to one another and to humanity.”
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,’’ the President added.
On poverty alleviation, President Tinubu affirmed that the government will sustain interventions that directly improve the livelihoods of families and citizens, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in have been changed.
“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.
“I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,’’ he stated.
The President urged citizens to explore available opportunities for engagement provided by the government and private institutions and embrace education, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition.
“We have no control over the population growth and trajectory. That is why you have membership in your various faiths, churches, to give hope to people and give commitment to humanity in the true sense of it. Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to generations yet unborn to sustain it,’’ the President added.
President Tinubu said the unity, stability, and prosperity of the country must be held sacrosanct by all stakeholders.
“To educate our children, I can say ‘your children’ because you are revered fathers. You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? For me, that’s answered prayer,’’ President Tinubu noted.
The President told the leaders of the CBCN that state governors, in line with the Constitution, have the authority to decide on the return of mission schools.
President Tinubu affirmed that more universities had been approved to meet the growing demand for higher education and that statistics from the National Universities Commission (NUC) would help in the budgeting of NELFUND.
In his remarks, CBCN President Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso thanked President Tinubu for the warm reception accorded to Archbishop Paul Gallagher during the 50th anniversary of Nigeria–Vatican relations.
He raised concerns over security, tertiary education, democracy, credible elections and poverty and urged the President to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment for all worshippers.
