President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the central role of governors in driving Nigeria’s development, emphasising their leadership as essential to achieving economic growth, food security, and national prosperity.
Speaking at his Ikoyi residence during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Tinubu lauded the governors’ support and called for greater collaboration between federal and state governments to tackle critical challenges.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent 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”, he said.
He further stressed the need for synergy in addressing local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
Dispelling rumour of discord, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
“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,” he said.
RELATED STORY: 2025: Tinubu’s reforms will unlock Nigeria’s economic potential – First Lady
He urged governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability, stating, “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.”
President Tinubu commended governors for their achievements and encouraged them to take pride in their progress.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, the President expressed confidence in the administration’s direction, saying, “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together.Tinubu welcomed his recognition as “ThisDay newspaper’s Man of the Year”, describing it as a testament to the success of his policies.
He announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his scheduled state visits.
The President reiterated his commitment to leading Nigeria toward prosperity. “We are on this journey together, and I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he said.,
ln his speech, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, described the ThisDay recognition as a significant endorsement of the administration’s progress.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, for instance, states like Jigawa are recording bumper harvests. We are encouraging ourselves to stockpile for the rainy day,” he said.
RELATED STORY: First Lady welcomes first baby of 2025 (PHOTOS)
Governor AbdulRazaq also commended the restructuring of the economy, which has enabled states to execute more projects. “I must confess, I’ve done more projects in the last two years than in my first four years,” he noted.
He assured the President of unwavering support from the governors, particularly in strengthening local security and enhancing national development.
