Tinubu Unveils Strategic Directives to Governors in Addressing National Challenges
By George George Idowu
President Bola Tinubu, in a dedicated effort to address pressing national issues, has issued crucial directives to state governors, focusing on food security, insecurity, and economic revitalization.
During a high-level meeting attended by state governors, the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and ministers, Tinubu stressed the need to bolster security measures in the nation’s forests, urging governors to equip their Forest Rangers effectively.
Addressing rising food costs, Tinubu emphasized collaboration between state and federal governments to enhance local food production.
He opposed food importation, advocating instead for empowering local farmers to boost domestic production.
In response to food hoarding incidents, particularly in Kano State, Tinubu called upon governors to adopt proactive measures and directed security agencies to monitor warehouses nationwide to prevent profiteering.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of investing in livestock development, particularly in poultry and fishing sectors, emphasizing economic growth and youth empowerment opportunities.
Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, urged state and local governments to tap into dam reservoirs to support national food security efforts.
Utsev highlighted challenges stemming from the non-utilization of dam reservoirs, attributing it to negligence by other tiers of government.
He stressed the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders in the water sector.
The Minister announced the allocation of 15,000 hectares of irrigable land to farmers, linking it to key priorities sanctioned by President Tinubu for food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, inclusivity, and security.
Utsev outlined the Ministry’s ambitious plan to develop an additional 15,000 hectares of irrigable land, aligning with the Tinubu-led administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.
Utsev emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engage with the 10th National Assembly for the passage of the Water Resources Bill.
He highlighted achievements in sanitation, with over 9,198 facilities constructed across 127 Local Government Areas.
The ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign, initiated in 2019, remains a focal point for the Ministry’s sanitation efforts.
The Ministry’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable water governance and fostering national food security, aligning with broader developmental objectives.