President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that his government is not unmindful of the pains Nigerians are going through as a result of the debilitating economic downturn.
But he specifically pleaded with Nigerians bear with him as the government will evolve some policies to cushion them from the pains of recession.
Buhari spoke in Oshogbo Osun State capital during his official visit.
He spoke against the backround of the gloomy economic picture painted by the the report of the National Bureau of Statistics released three days ago, which confirmed that Nigeria has gone into recession, which happens a country experiences temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced.
It is usually identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.
According to the report, it is the country’s worst situation in 29 years, with inflation and unemployment rates rising to 17.1% and 19.3% respectively. Companies are closing shop daily. Many are out of jobs.
Buhari, who was on a one-day visit, tsaid his administration was already fashioning out pro-active measures to actualize his administration’s Change Mantra for a better Nigeria.
In an address, where he commissioned Osogbo Government High School built by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Buhari said the Federal Government was quite aware of Nigerians’ pains in the last one and half years, following economic retrogression occasioned by the sharp drop in crude oil price.
Buhari assured that assiduous efforts were being made by the government to rescue the nation from the crisis as well as the past mistakes that brought us to where we are and make Nigeria great again.
“Changes are never achieved on the bed of roses, but through perseverance, steadfastness, dedication and integrity,” he said.
“We promised Nigerian people positive and progressive change. We are not and will not be tired of pursuing our goals of change. Change is through patience, perseverance and steadfastness,’ he stressed.
“We are quite aware of the pains and inconveniences that have been the lot of the citizenry in the past one year as we strive to faithfully implement our programmes in fulfilment of our Change Agenda. We are, however, comforted by the real change and progress we have made in fighting corruption and restoring integrity to government; providing security for lives and property; and positioning the government for effectiveness and especially deregulating the oil sector.
“We promised Nigerian people positive and progressive change during our campaign. We are not and shall not be deterred from that noble undertaking. “But as we have learnt from history, change has never been attained by any nation on a bed of roses, but rather, through patience, perseverance and steadfastness,” he said.
Governor Aregbesola promised his administration’s continued commitment to educational and other infrastructural developments.
