President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration is actively confronting Nigeria’s long-standing socio-economic and security challenges rather than attempting to evade them, insisting that the country has been pulled back from the brink of financial bankruptcy.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, President Tinubu emphasized that he willingly assumed responsibility for the nation’s fortunes, inheriting both the assets and liabilities of previous administrations.
Key Highlights of the President’s Address
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Confronting Inherited Obstacles: Responding to concerns raised by the clergy regarding national security and economic hardship, Tinubu stated firmly that he accepted the mandate knowing the scale of the task ahead.
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Economic Recovery & Bankruptcy Averted: The President asserted that bold policy interventions have stabilized the macro-economy and saved Nigeria from fiscal collapse, promising that tangible prosperity is now on the horizon.
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Expanding Military & Security Capacity: Tinubu revealed that he has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army, alongside increased funding for logistics, stations, and frontline operational equipment to combat banditry and terrorism.
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Stance on Mission Schools & State Powers: In response to the CBCN’s appeal for the return of mission schools to their original proprietors, Tinubu noted that while he returned such schools as Lagos State Governor, constitutional jurisdiction lies with state governors rather than the Federal Government.
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Poverty Alleviation via Education: The administration reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare and human capital development through interventions like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ STATE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL BRIEFING │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Event Host : President Bola Ahmed Tinubu │
│ │
│ • Visiting Body : Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) │
│ (Led by Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, Abp of Kaduna) │
│ │
│ • Key Focus Areas : Economic stabilization, military expansion, │
│ electoral credibility, and NELFUND execution. │
│ │
│ • Core Declaration: "I inherited the challenges. I didn't run away. │
│ I asked for this job, and I'm in it." │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: State House Directorate of Information & CBCN Official Briefing)
“I Didn’t Run Away — I Asked for This Job”
Addressing the delegation on the government’s resolve to deliver on its electoral promises despite persistent headwinds, President Tinubu stated:
“The challenges are there. I inherited them. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job, and I’m in it… This government has stabilized, and there is prosperity on the horizon. I can tell you categorically, with sincerity, that the country has been placed on sound footing.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The CBCN leadership commended the administration for expanding student access to tertiary education, while charging the Federal Government to sustain momentum against insecurity, safeguard democratic institutions, and ensure a transparent electoral process leading into 2027.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
