President Tinubu Urges Governors to Empower Local Councils for Effective Governance

In a recent address to the Arewa Consultative Forum, President Bola Tinubu called upon state governors to prioritize the functionality of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. Stressing the importance of these councils in a constitutional democracy, President Tinubu emphasized that local governments must be empowered to deliver essential services to their communities.

“We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country. They must equally be sympathetic, and they must urgently consider the needs of the local people,” President Tinubu stated. He highlighted the critical role that local communities play in the daily lives of Nigerians, where they work, farm, and live. However, he questioned the effectiveness of local governments, urging a reassessment of their performance and accountability. “We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?” he asked.

Addressing Educational and Infrastructure Challenges

President Tinubu also underscored the urgent need to tackle the issue of out-of-school children, labeling it as unacceptable. He emphasized the transformative power of education in combating poverty, pointing out that many current leaders owe their positions to educational opportunities. “Education is a tool against poverty, and that is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions. We must develop the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, which is the education system,” President Tinubu remarked. He promised intensive collaboration with stakeholders to enhance the educational system.

Moreover, President Tinubu highlighted the dire state of infrastructure and the high levels of poverty, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria. He described the situation as unacceptable and called for concerted efforts to eliminate the root causes of these issues. “We are still building Nigeria, and I am glad that you have emphasized the need for development. The infrastructure decay is unacceptable, and the level of poverty in the north is unacceptable. We must eliminate the source of these trends,” he said. The President Tinubu also stressed the need for significant investment in technology to enhance security and protect citizens, promising dedicated efforts to this cause.

Boosting Economic Growth Through Agriculture and Infrastructure Projects

The President Tinubu also touched on the importance of agriculture, particularly animal husbandry, as a means to boost Nigeria’s economy. He advocated for the expansion of dairy farms, which have the potential to significantly grow the economy. Tinubu called on governors to make more land available for agricultural purposes and urged herders to collaborate with state authorities. “Talk to the governors and tell them to make more land available. Talk to herders to collaborate with the states. The lands are with the states. We are ready to put funds in place to help the herders. We can do it, and we will be able to do it,” he assured.

Additionally, President Tinubu highlighted several key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s prosperity. He mentioned the AKK gas pipeline project, the dredging of the River Niger, and improvements in port access and infrastructure to reduce travel times. “The AKK project, the dredging of the River Niger, and improving port access and infrastructure nationwide, in order to shorten travel time, will make us more prosperous as a nation. We have to fight insecurity so that people can make a decent living anywhere they live,” he explained.

President Tinubu Calls for National Unity and Continued Support

President Tinubu concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal for national unity and continuous support for his administration. He reiterated the strength found in Nigeria’s diversity and promised diligent efforts from his cabinet to meet the nation’s needs. “As long as we are together, and we have to be together, there is strength in our diversity. Our strength and opportunity are built into our population,” he affirmed.

To ensure the implementation of the discussed issues, President Tinubu directed the establishment of a follow-up committee led by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The ACF leadership, represented by Chairman Barrister Bashir Dalhatu, expressed their confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and acknowledged the significant progress made in his first year in office. Dalhatu highlighted the President Tinubu efforts in agriculture, education, and infrastructure, praising his commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria.

With these initiatives and appeals, President Tinubu aims to foster a more accountable, secure, and united Nigeria, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges faced by the nation.