President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday assured Nigerians that his administration would in short time introduce strategies to address the present economic recession confronting the country.
Buhari, who gave the assurance in his Eid-El-Kabir message, commended Nigerians for their steadfastness in spite of the difficult economic challenges currently experienced in the country.
The President said “We are getting security right. We are stopping corruption in its tracks and we will get the economy right by the Grace of God. I assure you that this administration is working round the clock to remove the hardships the country is going through.
“Rail and road constructions, projects in the housing sector, support for farmers and for small and medium scale industries, youth and women’s empowerment programmes, support for revival of industries are all designed to reinvigorate the economy and enhance living standards of ordinary people,” he added.
He noted that the present recession experienced in the country was due to cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn, adding “it was also due to the failure in the past (previous administration) to plan and save for difficult times.”
Buhari said “It is impossible to separate the present from the past to appreciate the extent to which mistakes of the past are affecting everyday life today.”
He however urged Nigerians to continuously inculcate the act of piety and sacrifice in their activities, saying “you have exhibited these in equal measure.”
According to him, “I enjoin Muslims to live by the dictates of Islam, to keep good relationships with their Christian brothers and sisters and as patriots to maintain the spirit of the Nigerian nation.”
Also, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to keep faith with the present administration that the economic recession experienced in the country would soon end.
Saraki said “Truly, times are tough, but we are a tough people too. Therefore, I have no doubt that we shall overcome our present economic setback sooner than anticipated, if we all commit to the ideals of nation building.
“I also enjoin everyone of us to contribute in strengthening the bond of unity and oneness that exists among us. This, I believe, will spur us to avoid negative tendencies that could derail our efforts at ensuring faster economic revival and socio-political stability
“It is also a call on all of us to love one another, eschew all forms of violence; adhere strictly to the noble tenets of Islam and peaceful coexistence. We must not relent in being our brothers’ keeper and playing our part to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams,” he added.
