From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Minister of state for Works, Barrister Mohammed Goronyo, has said that Nigerians should be proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their President. He made this known in an interview with Daily Sun in Sokoto, recently. The minister also spoke on Tinubu’s leadership, the positive changes his administration has brought to Nigeria and what his ministry is doing to ensure good road network across the country.
Excerpts:
You’ve spoken highly of President Bola Tinubu. Could you elaborate on why you believe Nigerians should be proud to have him as President?
Absolutely. President Bola Tinubu is a patriotic and passionate leader who is deeply committed to the well-being of the Nigerian people. Mr. President’s administration has been marked by significant achievements in various sectors, from infrastructure development to security, and most importantly, the restoration of hope to Nigerians. Under his leadership, we’ve seen a drastic reduction in insecurity, a robust economic agenda, and monumental infrastructure projects that will benefit Nigerians for generations to come. His renewed Hope agenda is transforming Nigeria in ways that were unimaginable before his administration. We are seeing improved roads, a better security apparatus, and, most importantly, policies that directly address the needs of the people.
You have mentioned improved security in Sokoto State. Could you tell us more about how President Tinubu’s leadership has helped in this regard?
Yes, there has been a drastic reduction in insecurity in Sokoto State, and I attribute much of this progress to the support of Mr. President. His administration has taken a proactive approach to security by engaging various security agencies, including the Police, DSS, and the military, in tackling the menace of insecurity. We have seen significant progress in restoring peace to the region, which has allowed people to return to their farms and businesses without fear. The President has shown unwavering commitment to addressing security challenges and this has improved the lives of many Nigerians.
You spoke about many infrastructure projects under the current administration. Can you share some examples and their impact on the nation?
Certainly! President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on transformative infrastructure projects that are reshaping the nation. Take for example, the four coastal highways that are currently under construction, including the Illela-Sokoto-Lagos-Badagry route, which spans over 1,000 kilometers. There is also the Calabar coastal highway and the Trans-Sahara route linking Akwanga- Jos-Bauchi, and Gombe. These projects are already creating jobs, boosting economic activity, and enhancing connectivity between regions. Additionally, we are witnessing the reconstruction of major expressways like the Kaduna-Abuja-Kano expressway, which will be built with rigid concrete for durability, and the Sokoto-Gusau-Zaria Road, which is also being reconstructed with concrete for long-lasting impact.
You mentioned the importance of education. Can you talk about the initiatives President Tinubu has introduced to support Nigerian students?
President Tinubu’s administration has introduced several initiatives to support students, one of the most notable being the student loan programme. This initiative allows students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to access loans to fund their education.
This is a game-changer for many Nigerian families, as it opens up educational opportunities for children who might otherwise not have had the means to attend school. The President’s vision is to ensure that these students graduate, secure employment, and pay back the loan, which will then be used to support future generations of students. It’s a sustainable way of investing in Nigeria’s human capital.
What other areas of development has the President focused on, especially in terms of economic growth?
The President has made substantial strides in promoting economic growth and inclusivity. We’ve seen improvements in agriculture, with farmers benefiting from increased security and better access to their farmlands. In the past, farmers faced significant challenges due to insecurity in rural areas, but under President Tinubu’s leadership, the situation has improved.
This has allowed for a dramatic increase in agricultural production, benefiting both the farmers and the larger Nigerian economy. The President has also focused on improving infrastructure, creating policies that support small and medium-sized businesses, and ensuring access to capital for Nigerians to drive economic activity.
You’ve been very vocal in your support for the President’s efforts. What do you think the future holds for Nigeria under his leadership?
The future of Nigeria looks very bright under President Tinubu’s leadership. He has set in motion numerous projects and policies that are already yielding positive results. His commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure, security, education, and economic growth will undoubtedly create a better environment for Nigerians, both now and in the future. By the time his first term concludes and he seeks a second term, Nigeria will be a transformed nation, with stronger institutions, a growing economy, and a more secure society. Nigerians will be able to look back and see the tangible benefits of his leadership, and I’m confident they will be eager to support his re-election in 2027.
Finally, you mentioned the sacrifices that may be necessary for a better future. Could you elaborate on this?
Yes, sometimes the decisions that the President makes may seem harsh or challenging in the short term, but they are necessary for the long-term betterment of the nation. The President has had to make tough choices, whether in terms of infrastructure investments or policy reforms. These decisions may cause temporary discomfort, but the goal is to build a solid foundation for future generations. The future of Nigeria, for our children and those yet unborn, depends on the sacrifices we make today. And under President Tinubu’s leadership, I firmly believe those sacrifices will be well worth it.
