…15million poor benefiting from grants
…Calls for vigilance
Less than 24 hours to the August 1 nationwide protests, the federal government says it is discouraging protests to avoid hoodlums from looting and destroying public properties.
George Akume, the secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, stated this while addressing journalists, at the nation press center in Abuja.
He declared that while the government is not against protests, Nigerians must be vigilant to prevent miscreants from taking over the process.
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Akume appealed to Nigerians to pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us.
He disclosed that over 15 million indigent, poor and highly vulnerable families are beneficiaries of the family support cash grants by the government
Akume, while listing other efforts to tackle the current economic challenges, noted that the government has taken development to the grass roots, by approaching the Supreme Court for a decision on the funding of local government in Nigeria.
“The favourable judgement has now set the LGA on the path to their financial and development autonomy.
He also listed the recent creation of Ministry of Livestock Development and a stand alone Ministry for the Youth that account for a large percentage of our population
” Under the N35 Billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) approved beneficiaries have exceeded the 40 thousand mark, of the expected 70 thousand beneficiaries.
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“We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress.
” For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords. Government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.
” Please, go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or associations that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well.
He assured that the government will continue to create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny
He recalled that Tinubu’s administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent , bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken.
“This, it must be admitted, has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
” The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrading of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel.
” This has compelled massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farm lands in a safe and secure environment.
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He noted that President Bola Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians.
“Within a space of fourteen months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.”
