President TinubuSays it’s time to build a nation where every voice is heard, citizens are empowered
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored Nigerian leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability and transparency in the bid to guarantee a democracy that flourishes and endures for generations to come.
According to him, after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, it is time for all Nigerians to partake “in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realized, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good”.
The President who spoke on Tuesday during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that at this point of the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny.
President Tinubu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the lessons learnt after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.
He stated: “Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles. As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures but flourishes for generations to come.
“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate, and act with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this moment with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realized, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
President Tinubu observed that for the nation to have sustained democracy for 25 years, the longest in the country’s checkered history, is evidence of “the enduring sacrifices of several generations of patriots.”
Passing his verdict on the democratic journey so far, the President declared that 25 years was time enough to ascertain the effectiveness of any experiment, just as he said, “Our democratic experience, despite the lows and the highs, is a telling referendum on our aspiration to build a nation that serves the interests of all, a Federation that has not conspired against any benign group.
“We are here because the alternative is a descent into dystopia. Today is a moment to reflect on our journey so far. The tragedies Nigeria survived to settle for this democracy, the fourth of such experiments, must inspire each of us to play our part to honour the labour of our founding fathers and mothers and remind ourselves of the principles that drove their resolve to build for us a diverse nation that has defied the pessimism of detached agents of anarchy,” he added.
Noting that it is not just a day of remembrance, the President stated that it is a call to action, even as he said young and competent Nigerians, including the patriotic and innovative, must all be engaged in crafting a succession plan that secures the desired future.
“It is through their energy, creativity, and commitment that we will build a Nigeria that stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow. Let us therefore pledge to create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared destiny,” President further noted.
Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who fought for democracy, with many paying the ultimate price.
He saluted the courage of Nigerians in upholding democratic values despite challenges. “Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated. Today provides an opportunity to salute the resilience of our people in believing in democracy,” Akume stated.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, noted that the return to civil rule in 1999 marked a new phase for national unity, peace and progress.
He cited modest gains over the past 25 years, including economic growth, infrastructure development, and peaceful political transitions.
Jonathan however maintained that democracy remains a work in progress. “Our democracy, though young, has weathered storms and proven its endurance. We must continue deepening our democratic roots to ensure all Nigerians benefit,” he stated.
In his keynote address, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari called on politicians to prioritize citizens’ needs.
“Democracy is about the Government of the people, not just politicians. We therefore need to prioritize the needs of the populace ahead of our own needs. We also need to become better democrats. We need to fully imbibe the culture of democracy. We need good winners and good losers,” he added.
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President Tinubu flagged off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal HighwayPresident Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Lagos, flagged off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stating that the project would revolutionize transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.
The President spoke from the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island end of the project, which will traverse nine states along Nigeria’s coastal shoreline while linking the A1, A2, A3, and A4 highway corridors vertically crossing the western, central and eastern regions of the country, north to south.
Starting from Lagos and terminating in Cross River State, the coastal highway will include a spur to the north-central part of the country.
From Victoria Island, President Tinubu also performed the virtual flag-off of the design and procurement for the 1,000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which is expected to connect Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos State, passing through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States.
In addition, he virtually flagged off the design and procurement for the 461km Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road, which will traverse Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, terminating at Apo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President, who is in Lagos to inaugurate and flag off projects as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary, also performed the virtual flag-off of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for being diligent and for his efforts towards the qualitative execution of the strategic coastal highway project.
He also applauded the Chairman of Hitech Construction Company, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, and Engr. Ronald Chagoury, whose company is handling the project, for being worthy stakeholders and for believing in the future of Nigeria.
“Together, we worked to tame the Atlantic, and we turned a disaster into a great asset of value. We lost weight and took insults, but eventually, we tamed the Atlantic. We achieved our goals,” the President said, recounting how the indigenous company successfully executed a project to prevent the Atlantic Ocean from encroaching on critical sections of the Lagos shoreline.
“Today is my day to boast. The deal is done. The dream is realizable. The determination to build a nation of prosperity is possible. We said we would build this road, and we are determined to do it.
“Do not be afraid. We will do this road, and it will be a success for Nigeria, and we will do even more of this,” the President said.
President Tinubu said the project will ensure that future generations have a good landmark and memory to treasure while serving as a good precedent set for others to follow in the timely provision of world-class infrastructure.
”We have a road that will outlive all of us here. That is how to build the future. This project is more than a mere road. It is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity.
”It will connect communities, bring prosperity to people, and create opportunities for millions of our people. For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavours,” the President said.
Listing the benefits and opportunities to be created by the construction of the 700km road, President Tinubu said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.
He added that it will open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development, provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.
He said the project will also complement the expansion of the country’s maritime industry in the wake of the recent decision by the United Nations to grant Nigeria an extension of its continental shelf by an additional 16,300 square kilometres.
“We must take advantage of these opportunities,” the President said, adding that the establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states must be a priority for the country.
Engr. Umahi announced that the President had directed that sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project should commence from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, respectively.
Emphasizing that due process was followed in awarding the contract for this transformative project, the Minister described President Tinubu as a visionary and courageous leader.
Engr. Umahi disclosed that over 40 new projects are ongoing across the country and that all compensations up to kilometre 6 of the Lagos-Calabar project have been paid.
The Oniru of Iruland in Lagos State, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, whose domain the road will course through, assured the President that the community would ensure the removal of all bottlenecks.
He stated that his people have made painful sacrifices for the project to materialize and called for adequate compensation for them.
In separate remarks, three Governors – Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, and Mr. Hope Uzodinma of Imo described the wide-ranging support from sub-nationals as a vote of confidence and support for the landmark project.
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