Independence Day: Buhari hails Nigerian youths, reiterates commitment to fight against corruption, insecurity
President Buhari said in his Independence Day address on Monday that he was committed to providing better life for Nigerians.
He said his government was doing all it can to ensure a secure Nigeria, as well as putting beneficial economic policies in place.
Buhari said, “The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively.
“We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding a durable solution to this problem.
“This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts.
“In this context, I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law.
“Meanwhile, we urge all peace-loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic-based.”
He said elsewhere in his speech that his government’s battle against corrupt persons has enabled it to execute more infrastructural projects.
He said, “The shameful past practice of the brazen theft of billions of naira is no more.
“Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.
“Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments.
“Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and seaports, the welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.”
He also praised Nigerian youths for being industrious.
“Even today, our youths play a central role in Nigeria’s continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour –technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.
“In the past three years, we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the ‘not too young to run’ legislation aimed at giving the youth a greater say in our national politics and governance.
“The school feeding programme in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance.
“We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for the upgrade of facilities, training programmes for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking,” he said.
