George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says the Tinubu administration has started laying the foundation for a new Nigeria.
Akume spoke on Tuesday in Kaduna at the commencement of a two- day interactive session with federal government officials and citizens.
The event was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) to review Tinubu’s promises to the North during the 2023 election.
Akume praised the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, noting that the Premier of the defunct Northern Region “was a phenomenal being who promoted national cohesion and unity in Nigeria.”
“Above all, Sir Ahmadu Bello kept his promises as a politician and remained accountable to God his creator and to humanity whom he devoted his energy and time to serve”, Akume said.
He said the present administration assumed office on May 29, 2023 with a strong vision for the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akume said, President Tinubu “had promised Nigerians impartiality in governance and a commitment to remodeling the economy, improving security, accelerating infrastructure, job creation and revitalizing agriculture.”
On economic reforms, Akume said, Tinubu “unified the exchange rate, which though initially painful it enhanced transparency in Forex management and boosted investor confidence.”
He added that, “Though challenges still exist, Nigeria’s GDP is on a trajectory of recovery and has shown signs of recovery beyond imagination, inflation is moderating, and investor confidence are gradually improving.”
He listed priority areas of development to include Economic reforms for sustained inclusive growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, and improve governance for effective service delivery.
“The objective is to demonstrate that Renewed Hope Agenda has not merely been a campaign slogan but a pragmatic vision built on the pillars of good governance: transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, equity, rule of law, and inclusivity”, the SGF said.
On education, he said, about N50 billion has been disbursed over 400,000 beneficiaries of the government students laon scheme.
Speaking further. Akume said, “Education is receiving renewed focus through the Student Loan Act which has been operationalized, offering access to tertiary education funding.
“The administration has also launched the Renewed Hope Youth Agenda, with a focus on skills, innovation, digital training, and entrepreneurship.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, though painful, has been a necessary reform that saved trillions of naira.
“The savings are now being redirected into critical infrastructure and human development while states are receiving increased allocations for development.
“Cash transfers, conditional support, and mass housing projects have cushioned the effects of subsidy removal and ensured social inclusivity.
“However, let me share a secret with you, the journey has just begun and there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“By this conception the North, the region that is so dear to me will be eligible for the presidency in 2031, not 2027.
“Let us walk this path together, with faith in our country and Renewed hope in our shared future.”
