President Bola Tinubu has underscored the vital importance of state governors in propelling Nigeria’s development and prosperity and urged them to support the drive for development at the local government level as part of deepening the local government economy.

The President on Wednesday hosted a series of New Year visits from Vice President Kashim Shettima, the comity of State Governors known as the Governors’ Forum, and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos. He told the governors that their leadership at the subnational level is essential for attaining food security, fostering economic growth, and ensuring swift national progress.

Tinubu to Governors’ Forum
The President said, “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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 also revealed that he will visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his itinerary to visit several states across the federation.

This administration remains committed to prioritising Nigerians’ needs and our nation’s interests as we work towards strategically implementing sustainable policies that will endure over time and benefit all Nigerians, now and for generations yet unborn.

His Meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima
The President said meeting with Vice President Shettima allowed him to engage in robust discussions about their government’s important initiatives.

“We both believe in the positive trajectory of our country and sincerely appreciate the support of all Nigerians as we join hands and work together to make Nigeria the great nation it has the potential to be.

“We both believe in the positive trajectory of our country and sincerely appreciate the support of all Nigerians as we join hands and work together to make Nigeria the great nation it has the potential to be.

His Meeting with the National Assembly Leadership and Members

President Tinubu, VP Kashim Shettima and Principal Officers of the National Assembly

Meeting with the National Assembly’s leadership, President Tinubu vowed to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land, highlighting the National Assembly’s crucial support in transformative reforms. He said his administration was encouraged by the National Assembly’s support in the last 19 months and that he is determined to take Nigeria to the Promised Land.

Leading the delegation, Senate President Godswil Akpabio assured the President, “In this journey of reforming Nigeria in all aspects, you are not alone. The National Assembly is with you and will stand by you.”

In a release issued by the President’s Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga stated that the President said: “Nigerians are the heart of everything we are doing. We have come to serve. You have made my day by coming on this visit. Happy New Year. May God bless you and our country and give our nation more prosperity.

“The transformative journey we have embarked upon is for all of us. It is for our tomorrow. It is for the future generation. Your commitment will yield that fruit for the babies yet unborn.

“Your commitment to value addition and bringing about the spirit of can do and must do is for all of us together.

“It is for us to build a nation. We have confidence and competence. The enslavers want us to be anything but enslaved people, but we say no. We are determined, we are capable, and we are resolute, and we will be there. We will take Nigeria to that Promised Land with you,” President Tinubu said at the meeting.