President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday urged Ministers designate to join him to ensure a solid foundation that will lift Nigerians out of poverty within the next ten years.
The President stated this while welcoming Ministers designates to the Presidential retreat that formaly kickstart the next level government, charging them on the need for effective communication with their colleagues.
According to the President, “working as a team demands that we know what the next person is doing”, adding that “You must open communications with your colleagues. Lack of communication leads to lack of cooperation and sub-optimal performance”
All the 42 ministers recently cleared by the National Assembly had gathered at the old banquet hall as early as 9am defiling the early heavy rains
The President in his short remarks said ” As Ministers, I am counting on you together with Advisers and Nigerians willing and able to contribute to build upon our road map of policies, programmes and projects that will lift the bulk of our people out of poverty and set them on the road to prosperity.”
“Our Administration’s eight years will have laid the grounds for lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. This outcome will fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory and place us among the World’s Great Nations.” he said
He also charged to take full charge of their ministries ” for the development and implementation of policies, programmes and projects in your various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in line with Government priorities.
“You must also ensure that Agencies under your Ministries are effective, efficient and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Honourable Ministers-Designate, we must work as a team. Although you have been chosen to represent your states as a constitutional imperative, it is vital for all of you to work as Nigerians” he said
President Buhari said the retreat will afford them opportunities to “Familiarize ourselves with our colleagues with whom we shall be working closely for the next four years God willing;
“Secondly, to reflect and assess the country’s position in 2015 and today; and thirdly, to chart a course for the country for the foreseeable future.
“All of you are appointed to assist and advise the President in running the affairs of our country. At the end of the Retreat, it is hoped that all of you will be in tune with the roles and responsibilities of positions you will occupy in Government. Many national issues require unified decisions.”
He described thier appointments as a “privilege” and urged them to” grasp the chance with two hands and put in your best efforts as Nigeria today needs top managers to handle our numerous challenges.
“There will be long hours and you must be prepared to live laborious days if we are to serve our people optimally.
“We are all aware of the looming demographic potential of our country. By average estimates, our population is close to 200 million today. By 2050, UN estimates put Nigeria third globally behind only India and China with our projected population at 411 million.
“This is a frightening prospect but only if we sit idly by and expect handouts from so-called development partners. The solution to our problems lies within us.
