By Aminu Adamu
In a gathering imbued with promise and purpose, President Bola Tinubu’s clarion call for unity resonated through the halls of Lagos as state governors and leaders of the National Assembly convened to chart a course towards a greater Nigeria. Against the backdrop of economic resurgence and political stability, the President’s message of collective action and collaboration heralds a new dawn for the nation.
Led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the delegation comprising Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, among others, converged in Lagos to reaffirm their commitment to national development under President Tinubu’s guidance.
Vice-President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed unwavering optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory. He called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders, emphasizing the need to rally around President Tinubu to propel the nation to greater heights.
“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima urged.
Central to the discourse was President Tinubu’s role as a unifying force transcending ethnic and religious divides. Vice-President Shettima highlighted the inclusivity of the gathering, which brought together leaders from diverse backgrounds, symbolizing the President’s commitment to fostering national cohesion.
“This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us,” Vice-President Shettima affirmed.
Senate President Akpabio echoed the sentiments of unity and praised the state governors for emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, characterized by inclusivity and consultation with diverse voices.
“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Senator Akpabio remarked, emphasizing the President’s broad support across political lines.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed support for the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, hailing it as a transformative initiative with far-reaching implications for national development. He commended President Tinubu’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions, citing tangible improvements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and decreasing food prices.
“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor AbdulRazaq affirmed.
In a testament to the President’s commitment to grassroots development, Governor AbdulRazaq praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s funding for 8,800 primary healthcare centers, underscoring the tangible impact of government initiatives on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Governor expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support to states, particularly in alleviating food shortages through the distribution of grains. He lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in fostering cooperation between the federal and state governments, noting a tangible reduction in food prices due to increased availability of essential commodities.
“We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have. Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” Governor AbdulRazaq expressed.
In conclusion, Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the commitment of state governors to supporting President Tinubu’s initiatives and pledged to continue complementing the efforts of the federal government in driving progress and prosperity across the nation.
As Nigeria stands at the cusp of a transformative era, President Tinubu’s vision for unity and prosperity offers a beacon of hope for a brighter future. Through collaboration and collective action, the nation can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger, forging a path towards sustainable development and inclusive growth for all.
