They will abuse and criticise you but be focused – Tinubu tells new ministers
President Bola Tinubu has prepared the minds of his newly sworn-in ministers for the task ahead, advising them to remain focused and not be distracted even when they’re abused and criticised.
The President gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the seven ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, November 4, 2024.
Among others, Tinubu sworn in Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs; Netanwe Yiwaltda as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Trade and Investment; and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour & Employment.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said his administration has successfully stopped scavengers of the nation’s resources and will completely give the same treatment to profiteers and smugglers across the country.
He, for the umpteenth time, acknowledged the obvious fact of the high cost of living in the country, declaring that the situation calls for a serious commitment from all stakeholders.
The President reiterated that his administration would not run away from challenges and responsibilities, assuring Nigerians that he will face the problems with all seriousness.
He lauded the National Assembly for diligently and expeditiously living up to expectations by performing its constitutional duty of screening and confirming the ministers in record time.
Tinubu also congratulated his new appointees but reminded them of the challenges of the task before them.
“The moment is challenging, the present situation calls for a very serious commitment. Yours is a duty to serve and that is what you’ve got to do.
“I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and are ready to serve your nation at the time we are facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges and others.
“It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms and other responsibilities to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges. I am sincerely happy that you have done that and that you are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago when we assumed the responsibility of governing this country, you are called upon to join the team to rescue this country.
“Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour, you are being called upon to serve. Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Tinubu maintains Nigeria is on the right track
The President insisted that his administration is on the right track in the job of redirecting the country to the path of economic success despite the current challenges facing the people.
Tinubu noted that, while the cost of living had skyrocketed, his government has also satisfied the clamour for increased minimum wage, which is now benchmarked at N70,000 nationally.
“Yes, the cost of living has gone up. I recognise that and we have satisfied the obligation of paying a new minimum wage across the board,” he said.
He recalled the challenge he experienced when the country was servicing its debt with 97% of its revenue, revealing that debt servicing has now been brought down to 65%.
He stressed that his administration hasn’t defaulted in paying or meeting all its obligations to both foreign and domestic lenders.
Tinubu further argued that economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria, pointing out that neighbouring countries and others across the world are facing similar challenges.
“In fact, there’s a lot of crime in Europe and America. What pandemic has brought to the economies of the world but we are navigating through this and we are working hard. You will be part of criticism and abuse, don’t worry stay focused, stay resilient. Your thanks Will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country.
He further said, “It is my joy and honour to be part of you to be responsible for over 200 million people in this county. We have taken the bull by the horns. We have stopped the scavengers. We are going to stop completely the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country.
“We are not going to run away from our responsibility, we are going to face it and we have been facing it head-on.
With you as a member of this team, I am proud and honoured that I am leading you and we will lead you to success and prosperity. All I can say is welcome onboard, this ship will not sink,” he added.
