President Bola Tinubu expressed his concern about the high poverty rate in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments to address this issue.
During a meeting with the Nigerian Governors Forum, Tinubu called for unity among the governors, urging them to set aside partisan differences and work together to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
He stated that the current level of poverty in the country is unacceptable and emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to implement effective solutions. The meeting took place on June 7, 2023, at the State House in Abuja.
Addressing the governors, Tinubu said, “We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary, it is from society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation-building,” he said in a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director, Information.
“We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering results.”
He also hammered on the need to prioritise educational improvement as part of the collective efforts to tackle the menace of poverty.
Tinubu added: “Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.
“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations that are over a hundred years in democracy.
“We have managed ourselves very well to have a democracy. We have campaigned and arrived at our present destination. We must work for our people.”
The President also affirmed his dedication to exchanging ideas, bolstering institutions, and establishing grassroots frameworks aimed at diminishing the extent of poverty experienced by Nigerians.
“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals? We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room before the nation sinks.
“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanize the economy, and put resources in place? We must think and perform.
“After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account.
“How do we address the unacceptable level of poverty? How much are we investing in education, which is the only tool against poverty? I am ready to collaborate with you.”
