State Governors most crucial link to Nigeria’s development, economic prosperity: Tinubu

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciates the leadership of the State Governors at the subnational level, stating their role is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity, and rapid national growth in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has stressed the significant roles state governments, as sub-nationals, play in the joint effort for the progress and prosperity of the West African country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said this Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Lagos, said the leadership of the State Governors at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.

During a New Year homage by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in his Ikoyi residence, in Lagos, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for their support and collaboration.

The Nigerian leader also highlighted key areas requiring joint effort for the country’s progress.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Wednesday stated Tinubu said: “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development.

“The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you.

“The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands.”

On implementing local government autonomy

President Tinubu also advocated stronger collaboration between the Federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

Expressing his commitment to local government development and autonomy, the President stressed its importance for grassroots development, as he dispelled rumours of disagreement with the State Governors.

The Nigerian leader asserted:  “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments.

“You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.”

He further stated:

“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government.

“Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”

The statement noted Tinubu urged State Governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.

The President averred: “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. “Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us.”

He equally urged the governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states in the Federation.

“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now.

“Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said.

Reflections on leadership journey since May 2023

In looking back to his leadership journey in the last 19 months, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive, given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the current administration.

He said: “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together.

“I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading.”

The President as well disclosed he would be visiting Enugu State, in South-East Nigeria, January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states in the Nigerian Federation.

On ThisDay Newspaper ‘Man Of The Year Award’

President Tinubu welcomed ThisDay Newspaper’s declaring him the ‘Man Of The Year’.

He commended the newspaper for recognising “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success.”

In his remark on President Tinubu’s recognition by the newspaper, Governor

Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described ThisDay’s decision to name President Tinubu ‘Man of the Year’ as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies.

Governor Abdulrazak

also noted that the acknowledgement from a media outlet known for critical media coverage during the campaign reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The governor stated: “The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. “The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.

“So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day.”

He further said: “So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working.

“We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa.”

The Chairman of NGF, therefore, urged Tinubu to visit various states to see the ongoing transformations and progress firsthand.

He assured the President of the steadfast support of the governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance security of lives and property in the country.

Abdulrazak averred: “I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term.

“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it.”

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