Address by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, at the world Press conference to unveil the activities planned to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, held at the National Press Center, Radio House, Abuja on Thursday September 26, 2024.
 |
| Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, at the world Press conference to unveil the activities planned to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, at the National Press Center, Abuja on Thursday 26 September, 2024. Photo: @FMINONigeria |
Protocol
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all, members of the fourth estate of the realm, to thispress conference organised to unveil activities lined up to commemorate the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria, our great nation.
2. The 64th independence anniversary calls for a combination of critical actions on our part as citizens and collectively as a nation. These actions include a reflection on our past, recognition of our accomplishments on the journey so far and a determination to raise the banner of hope, progress, peace, unity and development.
3. Let me begin this press conference by saluting the selflessness, sacrifices and immeasurable contributions of our founding fathers who fought for the attainment of this nation’s independence in 1960. Similarly, I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all past leaders of this country for laying the foundations on which this administration is building. Their vision and resilience helped Nigeria to navigate some of her most difficult phases and earned us respect among the comity of nations.
4. As a nation, therefore, we must recognize with pride our journey to a stable, unbroken democratic sovereignty which has spanned twenty-five years since 1999. We must also recognise the resilience of Nigerians and their leading contributions to global development in different fields of endeavour.
5. Like several other nations, we are currently grappling with diverse challenges but we remainresolute in our inalienable destiny to build a strong and proud country that works for the good of all citizens irrespective of status, tribe, religion and creed. Let me assure you that this administration shall remain committed to its promise of working sacrificially to deliver the dividends of democracy to every Nigerian citizen.
6. This government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very much aware of and deeply sympathises with all Nigerians over the economicconditions we are passing through. These have been occasioned by unavoidable policy choices, including, the removal of fuel subsidies, that his administration has had to make. Not withstanding the daunting challenges, ceaseless efforts are being made to cushion the immediate impact and to create new opportunities on the short, medium and long term basis, through diligent implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. These Policies and Programs are being implemented for long term solutions to these problems and I assure us all that in no distant time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trajectory of our socio-economic development would soar higher in the positive territory.
7. In alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President,Commander – in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebrationshould be low-keyed. It is in this context that the program of events have been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
8. Before I unveil the approved program of activities, I wish to mention a few of the accomplishments of this administration that impact on our citizens in their daily lives.
9. Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, followed through with his promises on easing transportation difficulties of our citizens with the establishment of the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) and the launch of the first phase of thirty buses powered by hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This is work in progress because the Presidential Initiative is designed to expand across all geo-political zones of the country. The government has also commissioned the first retrofitted CNG train head for the Abuja-Kaduna track. This is intended to cut the cost of travel by up to fifty percent when fully operational.
10. In order to encourage conversion to CNG powered land transportation, government has also commenced the distribution of CNG conversion kits at no cost to Nigerians. The benefits of CNG transport system to Nigerians is huge reduction in cost.
11. The President has also given priority to the growth of economy through the SMEs. By so doing, he has re-focused on strengthening the back bone of our economy by empowering Nigerians to start or grow their businesses.
12. The President has similarly repositioned the National Social Investment Programme toeffectively address the challenges facing the poor, the vulnerable, under served and the elderly. Nigerian workers have also benefitted from a newly approved National Minimum Wage. This is coming on the heels of the Wage Award paid to mitigate the plight of the workers.
13. In the area of human capital development, the Nigerian Students Loan Fund has disbursed the sum of N2.5 billion to over 22,120 beneficiaries across higher institutions in the nation. This is a welcome relief for parents and an opportunity to access education by indigent students.
14. Insecurity in different parts of the country has been a recurring challenge for successive governments since 1999. This administration has succeeded in elevating the human and institutional capacity of the armed services and other security agencies to tackle these challenges of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities including kidnapping. This is already yielding results as insurgents and bandits are getting neutralised in large numbers while several others are surrendering to the authorities for deradicalisation.
15. The rainy season has similarly posed its own challenges. As a result of consequence of climate change and other environmental factors, the country has experienced serious flooding is several states resulting in fatalities, destruction of infrastructure, personal belongings, shelter, livelihoods etc. The humanitarian response of the Federal Government, has been swift and most effective. Government has drawn lessons from the current situation and has stepped up planning and prevention strategies.
16. One of the major issues challenges facing Nigerians is rising food prices. To bolster food security, availability and ensure affordability of food, government has removed tariffs on the importation of certain categories of food. In addition government has distributed fertilizers, farm inputs and other critical items to boost food production
17. On a long term perspective, Infrastructure development remains one of the pillars of the Tinubu Administration. Since his assumption of office, the government has shown its resolve in completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones in key sectors. Transportation infrastructure, particularly road, rail, and airports projects have been prioritized to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
18 Having availed us all some of these accomplishments, I now wish to unveil the schedule for the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration, as follows:
19. Ladies and gentlemen, I call on you as the members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to support this administration by consolidating our partnership in order to reposition our country andbring hope and fulfilment to all and sundry.
20. Also, I am counting on your unalloyed support to publicise the activities lined up to mark this year’s Independence Anniversary.
21. Let us therefore stand united, resilient, and hopeful. I wish all Nigerians a Happy 64th Independence anniversary in advance.
22. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Chairman Inter-Ministerial Committee delivering his presentation at the Press Conference on Nigeria’s 64th #IndependenceDay Anniversary Celebrations #NigeriaAt64 pic.twitter.com/1RCWBmYQVw
— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) September 26, 2024
