Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Bola Tinubu, has promised to create jobs for Nigerian youths.
He also promised to provide economic opportunities to people living with disability, the poor and the vulnerable, saying, “’we will build a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry.”’
Speaking at the unveiling of his action plan in Abuja on Friday, the former Governor of Lagos State said if elected as President of Nigeria next year, his administration will also make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all.
“I seek to become the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because I know the way. My experience and past performance have shown that it will be through collective effort and national endeavour that we join hands to cross the divides and achieve our vision. I ask you to join Senator Shettima and me on this journey,” he said at the event attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.
On his Agenda for Renewed Hope for Nigeria, the APC candidate said standing on the foundation emplaced by the current administration, his administration would, among other things, export more and import less to earn more foreign exchange and strengthen the Naira.
“We will deliver food security and affordability by prioritising agriculture and assisting farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain through the enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and guarantees robust income.
“We will modernise and expand public infrastructure to stimulate economic growth at an optimal rate. Generate, transmit and distribute affordable electricity to give our people the necessary power to drive their businesses and brighten their homes.
“Our national economy will grow, succeed and be respected. We will embolden and support young people and women to participate more in politics and governance, harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment, tourism, and sports to build today for the Nigeria of tomorrow,” he said.
On security, Mr Tinubu promised to establish “a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes from the face of our nation.”
On his part, Mr Buhari said the party’s candidate could deliver what he has promised, saying, “Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is too well known for his capacity and can-do spirit. He stands tall in his track records as a democrat, a champion of the rule of law, a man at home in every part of our country, and a visionary leader. All you need to do is think of Lagos in 1999 and 2022.”
He pledged to be at the forefront of electing Mr Tinubu as his successor as he would consolidate the achievements of his administration.
“I want to assure all party members and supporters of our government that I will be at the forefront of this campaign,” he said, charging members of the party “to put in all their efforts during the next four and half months of the campaign to ensure we record a resounding victory in all our elections nationwide. The future of this country is safer in our hands.”
President Buhari thanked party officials in the national executive council, the zonal, state, senatorial, local government, and ward executives for their unalloyed support of his administration and their great efforts and outstanding commitment to the cause of the party and democracy.
