PMB. |
President
Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Paris, France, assured Nigerians that allocations to
the educational sector will be improved as revenue increases, describing the
sector as a major engine for the development of any country.
The
President, during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Paris,
said the about 5 per cent allocation to the sector was inadequate to propel the
desired growth for the economy, pointing that United Nations target of 26 per
cent remains ideal.
“We
are currently reviewing investments in the entire infrastructure of the country
like road, rail and power, including investing more in education. We will
certainly need to do more in education,’’ he said.
President
Buhari enjoined Nigerian elites, both at home and diaspora, to do more in
contributing to the educational sector of the country, expressing surprise that
the elites tolerated the fall in standards and structures of educational
institutions despite oil windfalls in the past that would have made all the
difference.
“I am
doing my best now to utilize our resources to develop the country,’’ he said. “
We are already getting results on road, rail and power. My frustration is that
some people still have plenty stolen money stashed in Europe, U S and other
countries.’’
President
Buhari said return of stolen assets in some safe heavens will bolster the
administration’s current effort of investing more in critical infrastructure
that directly impact on the livelihood of Nigerians .
The
President said the war against terrorism will be reinforced with new weapons
and hardware for the military, while the challenge of abduction and kidnapping
in some parts of the country will receive more attention with better gathering
of intelligence.
“We
campaigned on three key issues; security, improving the economy, and fighting
corruption, and we have not been controverted by anyone that we have not
recorded some results,’’ he added.
On
Nigerians in diaspora participating in elections, the President said the
population of citizens in various countries across the world already
necessitate their inclusion to elect leaders, noting that it might not happen
in the 2019 elections as INEC had been more focused on strengthening and
consolidating on its achievements of conducting credible elections within the
country.
The
President said it could happen in future.
He
added that the Nigerian constitution had taken into cognizance the need for
representation in the political structures in order to ensure harmony and
development, urging more people to pick interest in governance and quality
representation.
In
her remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Dr. Modupe Enitan Irele, said the
Nigerian community in France had demonstrated high sense of responsibility,
dedication and morality, adding that the large number of professionals had been
encouraged to also contribute to the country’s development.
“Nigerians
here are law abiding, peaceful and resourceful,’’ she said.
Dr.
Irele said President Buhari’s commitment to change will make Nigeria the envy
of other African countries.
The
Nigerians in diaspora, who participated in the meeting, raised questions on
education, inclusive elections, security infrastructure and the economy.
Mrs
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, recently
nominated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diaspora
Commission, facilitated the meeting that was attended by Governor Willie
Obiano, Aminu Masari and John Kayode Fayemi, of Anambra, Katsina and Ekiti
states, and top government functionaries.
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