President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday at Iyamho, near Auchi, Edo State, said over-reliance on a mono-cultural economy had failed Nigeria, hence, his administration’s emphasis on diversification.
Buhari made the statement during the inauguration of Edo State University, Iyamho., saying the country’s present economic hardship was the result of past mistakes of government operating a mono-cultural economy.
The President said Nigeria could get revenue from agriculture, adding that there was a need to return to the land and explore other benefits, such as the abundant mineral resources, saying it was time to rebuild Nigeria.
He said his administration’s focus was on security, the economy and the fight against corruption, adding: ‘’I can assure you that as a government, we have made success in each of them.”
He appreciated Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his successful eight-year rule in Edo, which comes to an end on Saturday, November 12.
The quality of projects he had so far inaugurated in the state in the education, health and road sectors were of high standard, he said, and commended the foresight and integrity of the governor to had embarked on the developmental projects.
He said he believed that multi-party system was best for a country like Nigeria, saying as a nation with over 250 million population, differences of opinion and beliefs were bound to arise from time to time.
The President said the country had remained united through the grace of God and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
Earlier, Oshiomhole said because sound education was the bedrock of development, his administration established the university, and assured the people that the institution would not depend on government for funding.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the first set of students of the institution, the second owned by the Edo government, matriculated on June 11.
