Ibadan – President Muhammadu Buhari said that the focus of his administration’s economic policy was to elevate the ordinary man through empowerment and poverty alleviation.
He said this on Tuesday in Ibadan at the University of Ibadan’s 67th Foundation Day and Award of Doctorate (PhD) degrees.
Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice-President, however, said that the nation needed creativity and thinking to forestall the imminent collapse of her economy.
“In Nigeria, we are confronted with the GDP growth. This time calls for uncommon creativity and thinking on how to forestall the imminent collapse of our economy
“We need to think of how to unravel the morbid ideology of terrorists. How to turn around our economy into that which the people desired.
“We need to think of how poverty could be reduced and the unemployed in the country empowered,’’ he said.
He said that in spite of the fall in the price of oil, the nation still had the hope of a greater future.
Buhari called on Nigerians to embrace discipline, faithfulness, honesty and strong commitment to the nation’s development for the realisation of that hope.
The president also stressed the need for attitudinal change in the country, saying that it was a major factor hindering the country’s growth and development.
He said that the country was full of talents, creative minds and great leaders but that its shortcoming could be attributed to the character of some Nigerians.
“The future of a nation lies on three major poles, namely creativity, technology and character. It is great to note that the most crucial of all is character, which combines resilience, humility and commitment.’’
Buhari promised that his administration would be more committed to the rule of law, public/private sector development and rapid infrastructure development.
He added that the government was determined to develop agriculture and agro-allied industries, and support creative youths.
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“We cannot bring about the desired development without basic infrastructure. Nigerians have all it takes to succeed.’’
Similarly, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State also stressed the need for the people to have attitudinal change.
Ajimobi appealed to the university to take the lead in the promotion of attitudinal change, productivity and sustainable development.
He, however, observed that the university had been relating with the community in promoting such virtue. (NAN)