By Nudoiba Ojen
President Bola Tinubu said on Saturday that his administration is currently implementing programmes and policies targeted at empowering Nigerians to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality and terrorism.
He expressed optimism that his administration’s efforts would result in elimination of poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
The President, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, spoke on Saturday during the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
Shettima read the President’s address titled, “The Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Prosperity and Security,” at the passing-out parade.
He said, “We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
“From preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war, to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups, this administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security.
“Our commitment remains resolute. We are intensifying our efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.
“Our immediate actions, such as reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertilizer and farm inputs and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries, all serve as a clear message to our nation.
“We stand firmly with our citizens, determined to guide our country towards a path of accelerated economic growth and opportunities, where no one lives on handouts.
“Every day, every minute, we are reminded of the consequences of economic and social disintegration around us. This is why we favour cooperation and the formation of bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for our people”.
As part of moves to deal decisively with the criminal elements, Tinubu noted that his government had embarked on a new era in the country’s national defence and security strategy.
This, he said, would be driven by a resolute commitment to confront the substantial threats and challenges that confront us within the West African sub-region.
He said, “I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms. To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” he added.
Tinubu said that in tackling poverty inflicted on Nigerians by activities of the terror groups, he would treat every region equally and give them a sense of belonging in his government.
The president said he was proud of the devotion and dignity with which the NDA and its alumni have safeguarded Nigeria, noting that the passing-out parade was not just a ceremony to honour the graduands’transition to a more active phase of duty to their fatherland, but “a symbol of our enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in our human capital.
“I am, therefore, delighted to witness the passing-out parade of the Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force),” he added.
Tinubu said, “Our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon a crucial realisation: without vigilant attention to the very foundations and individuals who fortify order and stability, this promise remains unattainable. It is here, at the Nigerian Defence Academy, that this promise crystalises into action
