President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that the security and welfare of every Nigerian are the sacred priorities of his administration.
Mr Tinubu made this declaration on Sunday in Lokoja during the 10th Memorial Anniversary Celebration of the late Abubakar Audu, a former governor of Kogi State.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Mr Tinubu explained that his government has implemented various measures to uphold these priorities.
He noted that the recent declaration of a state of emergency regarding national security highlighted the seriousness with which his government approaches this challenge.
“It is not a mere proclamation. It is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity,” stated Mr Tinubu.
He added, “As part of this initiative, we have commenced the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies, increasing personnel numbers, enhancing weaponry, and improving intelligence capabilities.”
The President reiterated that the characterisation of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation is a significant distortion of reality.
“We are actively presenting the true image of Nigeria to the world—a nation where people of different faiths live, work, and pray side by side in peace. We will not rest until the world sees us for who we truly are,” he asserted.
Mr Tinubu also mentioned that his government is intensifying efforts to modernise the livestock sector, empower the youth, and expand infrastructure to deliver the dividends of democracy and stimulate the economy.
“We are moving beyond outdated practices that have too often led to conflict. We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry, which includes the establishment of large-scale management schemes and improved animal husbandry within the livestock value chain,” he explained.
These initiatives aim to create prosperity, generate jobs, ensure food security, and promote lasting peace.
“Through our social investment programmes, we are placing the Nigerian people at the centre of our governance. We are enhancing interventions to provide direct support to the most vulnerable, funding and nurturing our small and medium enterprises, and equipping our youth with the skills to compete and thrive in the global economy,” Mr Tinubu stated.
He continued, “We are undertaking an unprecedented expansion of our national infrastructure, from modernising our roads and rail networks to enhancing our power infrastructure.”
Speaking at the event, the President remarked, “Audu’s name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of the nation’s democratic journey.”
He noted that the late Audu had a vision for Kogi State and laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s enduring progress.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a book titled, “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership,” authored by Dan Okolo and reviewed by Adetokunbo Kayode.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation was inaugurated, along with fundraising efforts to support the foundation’s establishment.
