In a New Year tradition underscoring unity and collaboration in governance, state governors, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday. The event was an opportunity for the President to highlight the pivotal role of state governors in advancing Nigeria’s development and fostering prosperity.
Speaking at the gathering, President Tinubu emphasized the critical responsibility of subnational governments in addressing key challenges such as food security, economic growth, and grassroots development. He noted that governors are central to translating national policies into tangible progress for the people.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development,” President Tinubu stated. “The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent 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.”
The President dismissed rumors of discord regarding local government autonomy, stressing instead the need for collaboration to drive 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 added.
He called for intensified efforts to bolster economic activities and improve the nation’s currency situation, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future. “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 said.
Encouraging governors to take pride in their states, he remarked, “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.”
Reflecting on his leadership journey, the President reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by Nigerians. “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he concluded.
President Tinubu also disclosed his plans to visit Enugu State on January 4, as part of his nationwide tour to assess progress and engage stakeholders across the federation.
The New Year homage, a gesture rooted in tradition, serves as a platform to strengthen the bond between the Federal Government and state leadership, paving the way for collective action towards national development.
