LOW-KEY CELEBRATION FOR FG

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has disclosed that the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will be low-key.

Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor, was inaugurated as Nigeria’s 16th President May 29, 2023 at the Eagle Square in the nation’s capital city, Abuja.

Idris at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that there will be no celebration to commemorate the anniversary.

The minister noted that the move is in line with Tinubu’s desire to serve the country and efficiently use resources for the good of all Nigerians.

“The first anniversary will be low-key; there will be no celebration; it will be a sectoral presentation by ministries.

“This is in line with Tinubu’s administration to ensure efficient and judicious use of resources to deliver dividends of democracy to citizens.

“The president has directed that useful information should be provided in an honest, timely, and consistent manner,” he said.

He urged the media to be honest in their reportage, advising them to do their job with a deep sense of responsibility and patriotism.

“Members of the media are expected to report honestly, responsibly, and with a deep sense of patriotism. The essence of the media is to inform the people and hold government accountable.

“Thus, over time, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation finds it worthy to always brief the media and people on what the Federal Government is doing,” he said.

Idris further stated that the ministry will be organising a ministerial briefing where ministers of various ministries would begin presentations on May 22.

Meanwhile, The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Wednesday, said the President Bola Tinubu-led government has achieved several milestones in the various sectors.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume stated this at a world press conference to herald Tinubu administration’s one Year anniversary celebration.

Also at the press conference were the Ministers of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, as well as that of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

The SGF disclosed that under President Tinubu’s stewardship within his first year in office, the country had witnessed significant strides in various sectors of our economy.

He said the essence of the ministerial sector updates was to render accountability to Nigerians by promoting the accomplishments of the present administration within its first year in office and to reassure the citizens that government would remain focused and committed to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for positive impact on the socio-economic life of Nigerians.

“Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth.

“The administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Akume identified other key areas of success story by the current administration to include, “The Presidential accent to the 2023 Electricity Bill, a move that dismantled monopolistic control over electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and granted authority to State Governments, Corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit electricity, thus decentralising the power sector.

“Accent to the passage into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 that established a legal framework for safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection practices in Nigeria.

“The challenging but very necessary Removal of Fuel Subsidy, a longstanding policy notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefiting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the general populace.”

He affirmed that Tinubu’s first year in office had been “a testament of sorts and goes to show the unwavering commitment and resilience of this administration towards serving the Nigerian people with diligence, integrity and dedication.

“Despite the daunting challenges from all angles, President Tinubu has maintained his calm and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding our nation with vision and foresight.

“Government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising our economy and fostering sustainable growth. Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors.

“Mr. President’s commitment to enhancing our nation’s infrastructure is also evident in the completion and ongoing execution of numerous projects, notable among which are the extensive road networks, improved rail systems, and the modernization of our ports.