We are immensely grateful to God for another opportunity to celebrate our children, today, May 27, 2023.
Every Children’s Day reminds us of the future, and the necessary sacrifices and building blocks by parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and Government to secure our greatest assets on earth, the YOUNGER ONES.
As a father and grandfather, I share in the joy that children bring into our lives, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow.
In this our final full week in office, we commissioned several infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge, the Ikom Bridge, the Loko-Oweto Bridge; the 200km Kaduna-Zaria-Kano section of the Abuja-Kano Highway, a Railway Wagon Assembly Plant ...
... the new International Terminal Building of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; new Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); three (3) Federal Secretariat Complexes, in Anambra, Bayelsa and Zamfara; among others.
These are strong symbols of our efforts and commitment to upgrade, renew and expand Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure.
In eight years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP from about 20% to over 40%, and that is no small undertaking.
This happened when global oil prices plunged to almost zero, when we encountered a recession that was not predicted, when we dealt with a pandemic that was unforeseen and when we are still grappling with the global effects of an ongoing war in Europe.
So, as we look at Nigeria's debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which was paid for by debt and some by investment income.
Today I virtually flagged off oil exploration activities in Nasarawa State,by @nnpclimited. The spud-in of the Ebenyi-A Well will ultimately deliver outcomes that benefit surrounding communities, lead to greater prosperity for all Nigerians, & enhance our overall energy security.
I thank the Government and people of Nasarawa State, and especially the host community, for their support and collaboration towards the success of this exploration campaign.
I have directed @nnpclimited and its partners to do everything necessary to mitigate the environmental consequences of these oil exploration activities.
I congratulate His Excellency @officialABAT on his victory. Elected by the people, he is the best person for the job. I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.
The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle.
Since my assumption of office, we have worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections. We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency.
We have demonstrated that with the off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to this legacy in this administration.
I am asking @inecnigeria, the security agencies and all other relevant institutions to be firm and courageous, and to abide by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections. You are assured of this administration’s full and continuous support.